Cam Mechanism for Cosmetic Applicator Axial Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicators with telescopic mechanisms face issues with force distribution and wear, leading to slower product deployment and inefficiency in dispensing cosmetic products.

Innovation Solution

A cam mechanism comprising a stem, sheath, sleeve, and skirt that allows simultaneous rotational and axial movements, distributing forces and enabling faster product deployment by transforming rotational movement into translational movement, thereby enhancing the dispensing efficiency and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a traditional telescopic mechanism is used in cosmetic applicators, then the structure is simple, but the deployment speed is slow and force distribution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism is divided into multiple independent components (stem, sheath, sleeve, skirt, body) that can move and deploy independently yet cooperatively. Each component has its own movement path and function, allowing parallel deployment actions that increase overall speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism incorporates both rotational movement (stem rotating within sleeve) and axial translational movement (components extending along the axis). This multi-dimensional movement approach allows simultaneous deployment actions in different directions, transforming single-axis telescopic motion into coordinated multi-axis motion for faster deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If components deploy sequentially in traditional mechanisms, then the structure is easier to control, but wear increases and deployment is slower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism ensures continuous and simultaneous useful action across all components during deployment. As the stem rotates, it continuously drives the sheath, sleeve, and skirt to deploy simultaneously rather than sequentially. This continuous multi-component action increases dispensing productivity while distributing mechanical stress across all components, reducing wear on individual parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism employs dynamic motion where components transition from a retracted state to an extended state through coordinated rotation and translation. The stem's rotational motion dynamically transforms into axial displacement of all components, creating a smooth, continuous deployment action that maintains optimal force distribution and reduces impact wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If rotational movement is transformed into translational movement, then deployment speed increases, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial deployment speedVSAvoidcam mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism merges rotational and translational movements into a single integrated system. The stem's rotation is directly coupled with the axial displacement of the sheath, sleeve, and skirt through their geometric relationships and interlocking features. This merging allows one input motion (rotation) to produce multiple output motions (translational deployment) simultaneously, increasing speed without requiring separate mechanisms for each movement type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 mechanism allows for simultaneous deployment of parts, improving force distribution, reducing wear, and achieving a faster and more regular dispensing rate of cosmetic products, making it more compact and efficient for use in cosmetic applicators.

Implementation Method 1

A cam mechanism, in particular for an applicator for a cosmetic product, comprising a stem, a sheath, a sleeve, a skirt and a body... the sheath cooperating with the skirt of so that the rotation of the sleeve relative to the skirt causes an axial movement of the skirt relative to the sleeve, the sleeve cooperating with the stem and the sleeve so that the rotation of the stem relative to the sleeve causes an axial movement of the sleeve relative to the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP3654800B1Cam mechanism, in particular for a cosmetic product applicator
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR SA
  • EP3654800B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3654800B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3654800B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A cam mechanism (10) for a cosmetic applicator, comprising a sheath (30) constrained to rotate with a rod (20) and capable of sliding with respect to the rod, a skirt (50) constrained to rotate with a sleeve (40) and capable of sliding with respect to the sleeve, the sleeve (40) being constrained to rotate with a body (110) and capable of sliding with respect to the body (110). The sheath (30) cooperates with the skirt (50) such that the rotation of the sheath with respect to the skirt causes an axial movement of the skirt (50) with respect to the sheath (30), the sleeve (40) cooperates with the rod (20) and the sheath (30) such that the rotation of the rod with respect to the sleeve causes an axial movement of the sleeve (40) with respect to the rod (20), this movement causing the sheath (30) to slide relative to the rod (20).