Capsule Mixing Apparatus with Automatic Connection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product production apparatuses are complex for consumers to use, particularly when connecting capsules before mixing, and could be simplified in structure.

Innovation Solution

A production apparatus with a receiving device that automatically connects capsules and a separate mixing machine, allowing easy insertion and mixing of formulations without direct contact between the machine and formulations, simplifying the process and reducing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the receiving device and mixing machine are integrated into a single unit, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the complexity of capsule connection and operation increases for the consumer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidcapsule connection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into two separate functional units: a receiving device for capsule insertion and connection, and a mixing machine for formulation mixing. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently - the receiving device handles capsule management while the mixing machine handles formulation processing, reducing overall operational complexity for the consumer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device acts as an intermediary between the consumer and the mixing machine. It automatically connects capsules and manages the capsule interface, shielding the consumer from the complexity of direct capsule-to-machine connection while maintaining a simplified user interaction model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the consumer directly connects capsules before insertion, then the mixing machine structure is simplified, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual connection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing machine structureVSAvoidcapsule insertion process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device performs the capsule connection action in advance, before the capsules are inserted into the mixing machine. By automatically connecting capsules within the receiving device, the system eliminates the need for manual connection steps, making the operation easier for consumers while keeping the mixing machine structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device is configured to automatically connect capsules to each other without requiring consumer intervention. The capsules self-connect through the receiving device's automatic connection mechanism, freeing the consumer from manual connection tasks while maintaining a simple mixing machine design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the machine directly contacts the formulations during mixing, then the mixing process is more efficient, but the reliability decreases due to potential contamination and cleaning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidformulation contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capsules themselves serve as intermediaries between the mixing machine and the formulations. The formulations remain enclosed within the capsules throughout the mixing process, preventing direct contact between the machine's mixing components and the formulations. This eliminates contamination risks and cleaning requirements while maintaining mixing efficiency through the capsule-based delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule shells act as flexible containment barriers that protect the formulations from direct contact with the mixing machine. These thin film enclosures maintain formulation integrity and purity throughout the mixing process, ensuring reliability by preventing contamination while allowing the mixing operation to proceed efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11511247B2Apparatus for mixing formulations and producing a composition

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SEB SA

AI summary

A production apparatus includes a receiving device designed to receive a first and a second capsule containing a first and a second formulation, respectively, the receiving device being designed to be in an open position in which the first and the second capsule can be introduced into the receiving device and a closed position in which the receiving device holds the first and second capsules in position, the receiving device further being designed in such a way that when the receiving device holding the first and second capsules is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first and second capsules are connected; the apparatus further includes a mixing machine designed to receive the receiving device holding the first and second capsules, and to mix the first and second formulations contained in the first and second capsules such as to obtain the composition.