Closure Member Piston Pump for Cosmetic Pipette Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging and application devices for cosmetic products require multiple hand movements to open and dispense fluid compositions, are complex and costly to produce, and often limit the quantity of product that can be dispensed.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device with a container and closure member featuring a push button connected to a piston pump mechanism, allowing for simultaneous opening and dosing of the product without excessive manipulations, using a simple design with a limited number of parts and preventing accidental overfilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a piston mechanism is used to fill the pipette during closure member detachment, then the pipette can be filled with a dose of product, but the user must perform two successive manipulations (pulling the piston and unscrewing the closure member)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct dose in pipetteVSAvoiduser manipulations
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the piston filling mechanism and closure member detachment into a single integrated operation. The piston is mechanically linked to the closure member such that unscrewing the closure member simultaneously activates the piston to fill the pipette with the required dose of product, eliminating the need for separate filling and opening actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The piston mechanism is pre-positioned and mechanically coupled to the closure member threads. As the user begins to unscrew the closure member, the piston automatically begins its filling action in advance, ensuring the pipette is filled during the detachment process rather than requiring a separate filling step after opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If multiple mechanisms (piston, push button, spring) are used for pumping, then product can be sucked up and expelled, but the device becomes complex and expensive to produce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct dispensingVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the container when screwed on, acts as a lever to activate the piston mechanism, and controls the push button operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the piston is housed within the closure member assembly, the push button is integrated into the closure member body, and the spring is positioned within the closure member cavity. This nesting consolidates multiple mechanisms into a compact integrated unit, reducing overall part count and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the push button has a complementary thread engaging with the container thread, then the push button can be actuated during closure member rotation, but the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepush button actuationVSAvoidthread engagement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push button's complementary thread is integrated directly into the closure member's threading system. As the closure member rotates during detachment or attachment, the push button automatically engages with the container thread through this complementary threading, converting the rotational motion into the necessary linear actuation of the push button without requiring separate actuation mechanisms.

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

Enables easy access to a filled pipette with a single hand movement, ensuring precise dosing and reducing production costs while avoiding accidental overfilling, thus providing a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for packaging cosmetic products.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pumping means, in particular a piston pump, connected to a push button for sucking up or expelling a dose of product contained in the pipette

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiston pump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The push button has a complementary thread that engages with a thread on the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew thread mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 3

the rotation of the cover element of the closure member relative to the container causes the axial translational movement of the push button relative to the cover element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3203872B1Device for packaging and application by means of a pipette
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 LOREAL SA
  • EP3203872B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3203872B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3203872B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Packaging and dispensing device (1) having a container (2) intended to contain a fluid product, and a closure member (3) for closing the container, the closure member having both an application pipette (6) designed to be inserted into the container in order to withdraw at least one dose of fluid product contained in the container, and also at least one piston pump connected to a push button (5) for sucking up or expelling a dose of product contained in the pipette. According to the invention, the push button has a complementary thread (43) that engages with a thread (22) on the container.