Cosmetic Applicator Head Sealing via Monoblock Elastic Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic product application heads face challenges in achieving a reliable seal during non-use while being difficult to manufacture and costly, with manufacturing tolerances needing to be very small to ensure sealing at the lip between the side wall and rotary member.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic product application head featuring a rotary member with an internal support member and elastic biasing members, made in one piece through injection molding, ensures effective sealing by using an internal support member and elastic biasing members to maintain contact with the side wall lip, allowing for easy assembly and low manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic biasing members are used to maintain contact between rotary member and side wall lip, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member and elastic biasing members are integrated into a single monoblock component manufactured by injection molding. This merging of previously separate parts (support member + elastic biasing members) into one unified structure reduces assembly steps, lowers manufacturing complexity, and maintains the sealing function while resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the rotary member, maintains the elastic biasing force through its integrated elastic elements, and ensures sealing contact with the side wall lip. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If small manufacturing tolerances are used for the lip, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from requiring tight tolerances on the lip geometry to using an elastic biasing mechanism that compensates for tolerance variations. The elastic elements provide a compliance mechanism that maintains sealing contact despite variations in lip dimensions, allowing manufacturing with relaxed tolerances and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated elastic biasing members pre-compenstate for potential sealing issues by providing continuous contact force. This beforehand cushioning effect ensures that even if manufacturing tolerances vary, the elastic elements maintain adequate contact pressure between the rotary member and lip, preventing sealing failures without requiring precision manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for support and biasing, then assembly flexibility is improved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member and elastic biasing members are combined into a single injection-molded component that integrates multiple functions. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to install support members and elastic elements, significantly improving assembly efficiency and productivity while maintaining the functional benefits of having both support and biasing mechanisms.
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 solution provides a reliable seal when not in use, is cost-effective to produce, and ensures consistent sealing performance due to its design and manufacturing process, reducing the risk of leakage and manufacturing defects.
Implementation Method 1
at least one member (72) for elastic biasing of said internal member (70)... Each elastic biasing member (72) is at rest in the downstream position of the internal member (70). It is elastically deformable when the internal member (70) passes from its downstream position to its upstream position, to exert an elastic biasing force on internal member (70)
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a head (14) that includes : a sleeve (30) for receiving a rotatable member (32) for applying a substance; and an inner member (70) for supporting the rotatable member (32), located in an inner channel (31) of the sleeve (30), upstream from a downstream opening (56), the inner member (70) being axially movable between a downstream position, for maintaining the rotatable member (32) in a configuration for sealing the downstream opening, and an upstream position, for releasing the rotatable member (32). The head comprises a member (72) for resiliently biasing the inner supporting member (70) toward the downstream position thereof. The resilient biasing member (72) transversely connects the inner member (70) to the side wall (50) in the inner channel (31).