Brush Applicator Closure for Viscous Liquid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunscreen application methods, such as aerosol sprays, glide-on sticks, and wipes, are either messy, inconvenient, or ineffective in providing a full coat of liquid sunscreen as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, especially for reapplication throughout the day without sticky hands or mess.
Innovation Solution
A portable container with a flexible silicone bottle and a cylindrical closure featuring one-way valves and brush bristles for touch-free application, allowing easy opening and closing to prevent leakage and facilitate even distribution of sunscreen on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aerosol spray cans are used for touch-free application, then hands remain clean, but the spray can easily get into the eyes and ears and requires rubbing into the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a brush applicator as an intermediary device between the sunscreen liquid and the skin. The brush is saturated with liquid sunscreen from the container and then applied to the skin, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct spray exposure to sensitive areas like eyes and ears while still achieving touch-free application benefits.
2Ease of operation
If glide on sticks are used for application, then hands remain relatively clean, but they cannot be used over make up without smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and application method by using liquid sunscreen saturated on a brush applicator rather than a solid stick format. This parameter change allows the sunscreen to be applied in a controlled manner over makeup without the smearing issue inherent in glide-on sticks, while still keeping hands clean during application.
3Ease of operation
If wipes are used for application, then hands remain clean, but they smear makeup and require rubbing into the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The brush applicator serves as an intermediary that absorbs the liquid sunscreen and transfers it to the skin in a controlled manner. This mediator approach eliminates the smearing and rubbing problems associated with wipes, as the brush can gently apply the sunscreen without requiring vigorous friction that would disturb makeup.
4Ease of operation
If powder sunscreen with a brush is used, then touch-free application is achieved, but it is expensive, requires a relatively large amount of powder, and reapplication is not easy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from a powder formulation to a liquid formulation delivered via a brush applicator. This parameter change allows for more efficient sunscreen delivery with less product required per application, as liquids can be more precisely controlled and distributed evenly compared to powders, which tend to require larger quantities to achieve full coverage.
5Manufacturing precision
If liquid sunscreen is applied with hands, then complete coverage is achieved, but hands become sticky and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The brush applicator acts as an intermediary between the liquid sunscreen and the user's hands. The brush absorbs and holds the liquid sunscreen, allowing complete coverage to be applied to the skin while the user's hands remain clean and non-sticky, as they only contact the brush handle and not the sunscreen itself.
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
The container provides a convenient, mess-free, and efficient method for applying and reapplying liquid sunscreen, ensuring complete coverage while keeping hands clean and preventing cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The closure is operative to open and close the container by means of a partial turn of one portion of the closure with respect to another portion. The closure includes one-way valves to prevent the container contents from exiting the container freely
Implementation Method 2
a flexible silicone bottle and a cylindrical closure featuring one-way valves and brush bristles for touch-free application
Implementation Method 3
brush bristles are disposed on an exterior surface of the cylindrical closure, and the personal-care substance flows among the bristles when the closure is opened
Data Source
AI summary
A container for a viscous liquid, gel or paste-like substances has a closure integrated into its cap. The closure operates via a partial turn from open to closed, without separating into multiple parts. Even when open, one-way valves prevent the container contents from escaping until the flexible body of the container is squeezed to expel the contents. An outer surface of the closure is provided with brush bristles, and expelled container contents emerge among the bristles. The brush may be used to apply the expelled contents onto a surface. A separate cap may be provided to cover the bristles when the container is not in use. The bottle and a portion of the closure may be formed integrally. The bottle may have an arbitrary shape, such as a cartoon animal, and/or an opening to accept a carabiner for hanging the container.