Deformable Capsule Mixing Apparatus Manual Actuation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing apparatuses for cosmetic compositions are complex, costly, and require significant space due to the need for large drive motors and complex mixing processes.

Innovation Solution

A compact and user-friendly manufacturing apparatus that uses a mixing machine with a support defining receiving housing for deformable capsules, an actuation system to transmit pressure forces, and a heater element to optimize the mixing and kneading process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a large drive motor is used to transmit pressure forces to deformable compartments, then the mixing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure force transmission capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the large drive motor with a manual actuation system where the user directly applies mechanical force to the capsules through a pressing mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complex motorized actuation while achieving the required pressure forces for mixing through simple manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing apparatus utilizes the user's own manual force to generate the pressure needed for mixing, rather than requiring an external motorized system. The user's hand pressing action directly provides the actuation force, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex power transmission components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Power

If a large drive motor is used to transmit pressure forces, then the mixing capability is improved, but the volume and weight of the apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure force transmission capabilityVSAvoidapparatus volume

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the large drive motor with a manual actuation system where the user directly applies mechanical force to the capsules through a pressing mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complex motorized actuation while achieving the required pressure forces for mixing through simple manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing apparatus utilizes the user's own manual force to generate the pressure needed for mixing, rather than requiring an external motorized system. The user's hand pressing action directly provides the actuation force, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex power transmission components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If complex mixing processes are used to mix capsule contents, then the mixing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mixing and kneading functions into a single integrated pressing action. The user's single pressing motion simultaneously performs both mixing and kneading operations, eliminating the need for separate complex mixing processes while maintaining effectiveness through the combined mechanical action on the capsule contents.

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 apparatus effectively mixes and kneads cosmetic formulations within deformable capsules, achieving a simple, cost-effective, and space-efficient solution for personal use.

Implementation Method 1

a heater element configured to heat at least one of the first and second capsules when the first and second capsules are received in the mixing machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12239203B2Manufacturing apparatus, mixing machine and/or receiving device for the manufacture of a composition from a mixture of formulations

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SEB SA

AI summary

A mixing method using a mixing machine including a support having a receiving housing including first receiving location configured to receive a first deformable capsule and a second receiving location configured to receive a second deformable capsule. The first and second capsules are fluidly linked and respectively contain a first formulation and a second formulation, the mixing machine includes an actuation system having a first actuation member configured to transmit a pressure force on the first capsule and of a second actuation member configured to transmit a pressure force on the second capsule. The mixing method includes a preparation phase that includes, successively: setting in motion the second actuation member; setting in motion the first actuation member, along a stroke lower than its actuation stroke; and heating by the heater element.