Compressible Nail Treatment Container with Sponge Insert

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nail and skin treatment technologies lack an efficient and convenient method for applying substances to nails and skin, particularly in a way that allows for precise application and rapid absorption of treatments.

Innovation Solution

A squeezable container apparatus made of compressible material with an insert and a lid assembly that supports a detail sponge, allowing for the application of compression force to translate treatment substances onto the nail or skin, facilitating quick and precise application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a traditional rigid container is used for nail treatment, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the application precision and absorption efficiency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication precisionVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible sponge insert within the container that can deform under compression to precisely contact and apply treatment substance to the nail surface. This flexible component enables precise application while maintaining a simple overall container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the treatment substance from liquid to gel or cream form, which allows for more precise control of application quantity and distribution. The parameter change enables better adhesion and controlled release of the treatment substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual application method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the treatment absorption time is long and efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment application speedVSAvoidapplication mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a compression mechanism that applies mechanical pressure to force the treatment substance from the container through the sponge insert onto the nail surface. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach accelerates application speed while the mechanism remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The sponge insert acts as an intermediary between the treatment substance and the nail surface. It absorbs and distributes the substance evenly, enhancing absorption efficiency while simplifying the application process compared to direct liquid application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the container is made of compressible material, then the treatment application efficiency is improved, but the structural stability and manufacturing ease are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment application efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the container into two functional parts: a rigid outer container for structural stability and manufacturing ease, and a separate compressible sponge insert for efficient treatment application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines a rigid container material (such as plastic) with a compressible sponge material to create a composite structure. This composite approach provides both structural stability and compression efficiency, balancing manufacturing ease with application performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 and rapid application of nail and skin treatments by translating compression forces to the treatment area, enhancing the absorption of substances and reducing exposure time.

Implementation Method 1

the container is configured to translate a compression force received at an outer surface to the insert to compress the insert upon the at least one body part of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the insert is made of spongy material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10362851B2Squeezable nail treatment container
Publication Date: 2019.07.30 LOREAL SA
  • US10362851B2 patent drawing
  • US10362851B2 patent drawing
  • US10362851B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for providing nail or skin treatment. The apparatus includes a container, formed of a compressible material; an insert, disposed within the container formed of a compressible material, and configured to receive and surround at least one body part of the user; and an opening at a first end of the container which provides access to an interior surface of the insert, wherein the insert is configured to hold at least one substance configured to treat at least one of a nail and skin of the user.