Auto-open compact container with air inlet for pressure equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact containers with gel-like cosmetics face issues of hardening and cracking due to volatile material evaporation, and the sealed inner space makes it difficult to press the discharge plate effectively when the outer lid is opened.
Innovation Solution
An auto-open compact container design that introduces external air into the inner container while the button is pressed, allowing the sealed inner space to communicate with the outside, facilitating a smooth pressing operation of the discharge plate through an air inlet protrusion and return springs, and includes a pump and discharge plate with cosmetic material discharging holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner container is sealed to prevent volatile material evaporation, then the gel-like cosmetic material is protected from hardening and cracking, but the inner space becomes evacuated and the discharge plate cannot be pressed smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism performs preliminary action by pushing the annular packing member upward before the discharge plate pressing operation. This preliminary action opens the air inlet passage, allowing external air to enter the inner container and equalize the pressure, thereby preparing the sealed space for smooth discharge plate operation without compromising the cosmetic material protection
Solution Approach 2:
The annular packing member acts as an intermediary element between the button and the air inlet passage. When the button is pressed, the packing member moves to open the passage, serving as a mediator that controls the air flow into the inner container. This intermediary mechanism allows pressure equalization while maintaining the sealed structure's integrity for protecting the cosmetic material
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer container lid is opened to use the cosmetic product, then the cosmetic material can be accessed, but the sealed inner space remains evacuated making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism performs preliminary action by opening the air inlet passage before the user needs to press the discharge plate. This ensures that when the outer lid is opened and the user is ready to use the product, the inner space is already pressurized with external air, enabling smooth discharge plate operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically equalizing the pressure in the inner container through the button mechanism. When the button is pressed, it automatically opens the air inlet passage and allows external air to enter, eliminating the need for manual pressure equalization and enabling the user to directly operate the discharge plate
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
Enables smooth operation of the discharge plate by equalizing pressure and preventing hardening of the gel-like cosmetic material, ensuring effective use and extended shelf life by maintaining the inner space's air-tightness.
Implementation Method 1
an upper rim of which is sealed by an annular packing member inserted into an inner periphery of the outer container lid
Implementation Method 2
return springs protruding from opposite sides of the button in an arc shape to be symmetric to each other, and returning to original positions when the button is pressed and then unpressed
Implementation Method 3
a pump installed at an upper portion of the inner container cover to pump a cosmetic material
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-open compact container has an outer container having a button formed on one side thereof, an outer container lid hinge-coupled to one side of the outer container to be opened/closed, and an inner container which is mounted inside the outer container. An air inlet protrusion is formed in the button such that external air is introduced into the inner container simultaneously while the button is pressed to open the outer container lid. Therefore, an inside of the inner container, which is sealed and evacuated, communicates with the outside, thereby making an operation of pressing the discharge plate smooth.