Applicator Stopper With Movable Stem And Wedged Coupling Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic applicator caps risk inadvertently crushing the applicator head against the container bottom when the gripping sleeve is fully screwed on, leading to potential damage and increased manufacturing costs due to complex designs and additional components.
Innovation Solution
An applicator cap design featuring a gripping sleeve with a movable applicator rod that is blocked in its retracted position by a coupling tip wedged between the lower rod of the thrust member and the container neck, preventing accidental compression and simplifying assembly, while allowing sliding movement to reach the container bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a telescopic applicator rod with thrust member is used to allow the applicator head to reach the bottom of the container, then the applicator head can reach the container bottom, but the thrust member can be inadvertently pushed in when the gripping sleeve is screwed on, causing the applicator head to be crushed against the container bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a cover that caps the thrust member before the gripping sleeve is screwed onto the container. This cover prevents the thrust member from being inadvertently pushed in during the closing operation, thereby preventing the applicator head from being crushed against the container bottom. The cover is designed to be removed only when needed for applicator rod extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cover as an intermediary element between the thrust member and the external environment. This cover acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact with the thrust member during the closing operation, thereby preventing accidental compression of the applicator head while still allowing controlled extension when needed.
2Reliability
If a cover is added to protect the thrust member from inadvertent pushing, then the applicator head is protected from crushing, but the device complexity increases and additional manufacturing costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective cover with the gripping sleeve assembly, integrating the protection function into the existing structure. The cover is designed to work in conjunction with the gripping sleeve and thrust member, combining multiple functions (protection, guidance, and controlled access) into a unified assembly that minimizes additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be self-retaining through a snap-fit or friction-fit mechanism that automatically secures it in place during normal handling. The cover can be easily removed by the user when applicator rod extension is needed, eliminating the need for additional fastening mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
3Length of moving object
If the applicator rod is made telescopic to reach the container bottom, then the applicator head can access the full container volume, but the risk of accidental crushing increases and requires additional protective components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a cover that caps the thrust member before the gripping sleeve is screwed onto the container. This cover prevents the thrust member from being inadvertently pushed in during the closing operation, thereby preventing the applicator head from being crushed against the container bottom. The cover is designed to be removed only when needed for applicator rod extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cover as an intermediary element between the thrust member and the external environment. This cover acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact with the thrust member during the closing operation, thereby preventing accidental compression of the applicator head while still allowing controlled extension when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents accidental crushing of the applicator head and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by ensuring the applicator rod remains locked in the retracted position when the cap is closed, facilitating easy assembly on industrial lines and compatibility with standard rods and heads.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return member urging the applicator rod towards its retracted position
Implementation Method 2
A compression spring is inserted between the insert and the thrust member. Thus, by pushing on the thrust member, the applicator rod can slide from a retracted position to an extended position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Applicator stopper (1) comprising a gripping sleeve (2), an application stem (3) comprising a stem body (31) that supports an application head (35) and can slide in a central orifice (23) of the gripping sleeve (2), a thrust member (4) coupled to the application stem for the purpose of moving it from a retracted position to a deployed position, and an elastic return member (5) which urges the application stem toward its retracted position and is interposed between the thrust member and an internal shoulder (26) provided in the central orifice, where the thrust member comprises a lower stem (43) having a free end (44) below the internal shoulder, and the stem body supports a coupling end piece (34) which is widened and is force-fitted onto the free end. The present invention is applicable in the field of cosmetics and in particular that of nail polish applicators.