Carousel Cosmetic Mixing Apparatus with Static Mixer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic blending and dispensing systems require excessive manual input and struggle with mixing high viscosity compositions, leading to inefficient and unsatisfactory product creation, especially for personalized cosmetics.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a cartridge holder with a carousel and a static mixer, controlled by an electronic control unit, which independently adjusts the flow rates of multiple cartridges to produce a homogeneous mixture of viscous cosmetic compositions, allowing for precise and automated mixing and dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual cartridge changing is used in static mixer systems, then system simplicity is maintained, but user time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiduser time consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static cartridge holder to a dynamic carousel mechanism that automatically rotates and positions cartridges. The carousel integrates with the static mixer to dynamically exchange cartridges without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and user time consumption by automating the cartridge changing process while maintaining overall system compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carousel mechanism enables the system to service itself by automatically positioning and exchanging cartridges based on programmed sequences. The system no longer requires manual cartridge changing by the user, as the automated carousel handles this function, thereby reducing user time consumption while keeping the device relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If simple mixing mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing quality of viscous compositions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing mechanism complexityVSAvoidmixing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical mixing mechanisms with a flow-based mixing approach. By controlling the flow rates of viscous compositions through regulated channels into the static mixer, the system achieves effective mixing without requiring complex mechanical agitation devices, thus maintaining simplicity while improving mixing quality for viscous materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system improves mixing quality by precisely controlling flow rate parameters of the viscous compositions. By adjusting flow rates through regulated channels and controlling the timing and sequence of composition delivery to the static mixer, the system achieves homogeneous mixing without increasing mechanical complexity, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and mixing quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automated carousel with multiple motors is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidnumber of motors and control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carousel mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it positions cartridges, controls their sequence of operation, and coordinates with the static mixer. By making the carousel a multi-functional component that integrates these tasks, the system improves ease of operation through automation without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one mechanism serves multiple purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If precise flow rate control is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical flow control mechanisms with electronic flow rate control. By using electronic regulation to precisely control the flow rates of compositions from each cartridge, the system achieves high manufacturing precision while keeping the overall device complexity manageable, as electronic control is more compact and programmable than complex mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient, automated mixing and dispensing of personalized cosmetic products with precise control over flow rates, facilitating both small-scale home use and industrial production while ensuring consistent product quality.

Implementation Method 1

a static mixer comprising a container and protruding elements defining a passage for the circulation and the mixing of the first cosmetic composition with the second cosmetic composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Implementation Method 2

a first plunger driving system having a first drive head adapted to move a first plunger into the first cartridge in an operating mode and a second plunger driving system having a second drive head adapted to move a second plunger into the second cartridge in the operating mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical dispensing:

Implementation Method 3

a first carousel driving motor which operates to rotate a transmitting mechanism, optionally comprising a first transmitting gear, which in turn moves a first receiving gear, to move the first composition to the first predetermined dispensing region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3925694B1Apparatus with carousel for dispensing and mixing cosmetic compositions and mixing method
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 LOREAL SA
  • EP3925694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3925694B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3925694B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing a first composition and a second cosmetic composition to deliver a targeted cosmetic product, the apparatus comprising a cartridge holder (111) for receiving cartridges (121, 122, 123), a static mixer (130), an optional tight duct between the cartridge (121, 122, 123) and the static mixer (130), further comprising: (iii) a plunger driving system; and (iv) a circuitry including an electronic control unit (710) coupled to the cartridge holder (111) comprising a microcontroller for controlling the plunger driving system.