Refill Cartridge Base Plug for Cosmetic Shade Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic application devices face challenges with waste production from packaging, loss of storage accessories, and unclear indication of contained pigmented formulations, especially in e-commerce and retail settings.

Innovation Solution

A refillable cosmetic device with a base plug featuring cosmetic color information, such as written indicia or color-coded base plug, that detachably couples to the refill cartridge, indicating the cosmetic color and allowing easy organization and substitution of refill packs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional cosmetic packaging is used, then the cosmetic product is protected, but packaging waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoidproduct protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cosmetic packaging system is divided into separate components: a reusable container base and replaceable refill cartridges. This segmentation allows the functional container to be reused while only the consumable cosmetic portion is replaced, reducing packaging waste from refills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The refill cartridge is designed to be discarded after use and replaced with a new refill, while the container base is recovered and reused. This approach recovers the expensive, non-consumable portions of the packaging while efficiently discarding only the consumable cosmetic product portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If storage accessories are removed for e-commerce shipping, then shipping is simplified, but accessories are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping convenienceVSAvoidaccessory loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cap and base plug are merged into a single integrated unit that serves multiple functions: protecting the cosmetic bullet during shipping, preventing contamination, and serving as a user interface for color identification. This eliminates the need for separate storage accessories while maintaining all necessary protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the refill cartridge during shipping, attaches to the container base to activate the mechanism, and displays color information for identification. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the device is opened to identify cosmetic color, then accurate color identification is achieved, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor identification accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base plug is color-coded to match or indicate the cosmetic color contained in the refill cartridge. This visual color coding allows users to identify the cosmetic color instantly without opening the device, maintaining both accurate identification and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The color information is displayed on the base plug before the device is opened or used. This preliminary display of color information allows users to identify and select the desired cosmetic color in advance, eliminating the need to open the device for identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If refill cartridges are designed without base plugs, then manufacturing is simplified, but organization and substitution become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefill cartridge simplicityVSAvoidorganization and substitution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base plug incorporates color coding that matches the cosmetic formulation inside the refill cartridge. This allows users to easily organize refills by color and quickly identify the correct refill for substitution, greatly improving ease of organization and replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260053257A1Refillable cosmetic device and refill pack with shade matching base plug

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 LOREAL SA

AI summary

A cosmetic refill pack, a cosmetic application device, and a shade matching cosmetic kit are described. In an embodiment, the cosmetic application devices include a container base, a removable cosmetic cartridge, an overcap configured to detachably couple to the container base and envelop the removable cosmetic cartridge, a cosmetic bullet, a cartridge riser, a container riser and a base plug configured to detachably couple to the container base, wherein the base plug comprises cosmetic color information indicative of a cosmetic color of the cosmetic bullet. In an embodiment, the cosmetic refill packs include a refill cartridge, a cosmetic bullet, and a base plug configured to detachably couple to the open end of the refill cartridge, wherein the base plug comprises cosmetic color information indicative of a cosmetic color of the cosmetic bullet. Shade matching cosmetic kits comprise a cosmetic application device and one or more cosmetic refill packs.