Cosmetic Applicator Sealing via Nested Housing and Pump Dispensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic dispensing devices face challenges in maintaining the applicator sealed from the external environment, leading to adverse reactions with product residue and affecting the product's consistency and applicator quality.

Innovation Solution

A device with a product dispensing assembly that includes an applicator coupled to a removable upper chamber, a cap for sealing, and a pump assembly with a one-way valve and annular piston for controlled dispensing, ensuring the applicator remains sealed and reproducibly loaded with product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the applicator is stored away from air between uses, then the mechanical properties (flexibility and absorptivity) are preserved, but the device complexity increases due to sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is nested within the dispensing device housing, which serves as a protective sealed environment. When not in use, the applicator remains contained within the device body, isolated from external air. This nesting approach provides sealing protection without requiring separate storage containers or complex closure mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing device housing serves multiple functions: it contains the product reservoir, houses the pump mechanism, and simultaneously acts as a sealed protective environment for the applicator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components dedicated solely to applicator protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the applicator is kept sealed from the external environment, then product residue does not react with air, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional sealing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is merged with the main device housing structure rather than being a separate operation. The applicator is positioned within the housing such that the housing itself provides the seal, eliminating the need for separate sealing steps or components that would complicate user operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device structure automatically provides sealing protection for the applicator without requiring user intervention. The applicator remains sealed simply by being positioned within the closed housing, and the sealing action occurs passively through the device design rather than requiring active user steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the applicator is reproducibly loaded with product, then the application consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to controlled dispensing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing mechanisms with a simpler pump-based dispensing system. The pump delivers a controlled amount of product through a nozzle that directly contacts the applicator, providing reproducible loading without requiring intricate mechanical counting or measurement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A nozzle or dispensing tip serves as an intermediary between the pump and the applicator, ensuring consistent product transfer. This intermediary component standardizes the interface for product delivery, enabling reproducible loading while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device allows for easy handling and transportation of the applicator while keeping it sealed, ensuring consistent product application and maintaining the applicator's mechanical properties by preventing air exposure, thus enhancing product quality and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The pump assembly delivers a controlled amount of product through a nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Implementation Method 2

The at least one housing may be configured to receive an applicator element and may comprise a side wall and an end wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11259617B2Device for dispensing and applying a product

Publication Date: 2022.03.01

AI summary

A device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic product, the device includes a product dispensing assembly, an applicator which is configured to be coupled within an upper chamber of the product dispensing assembly in a removable manner, and a cap which is configured to be removably engaged with the product dispensing assembly for covering the applicator and the product dispensing assembly when the device is not in use. The applicator comprises an applicator element which is in contact with an intermediate receiving surface of the dispensing head of the product dispensing assembly. At least a portion of the applicator is placed in contact with the product delivered through at least one outlet of the dispensing head when the product dispensing assembly is actuated. Preferably, the product at least partially impregnates the applicator element when the product contacts the applicator element.