Cosmetic Bottom Base Decoration via Thermal Sublimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product packaging lacks a way to decorate the inner surface of the bottom base without contaminating or altering the product, as traditional printing inks can react with or contaminate the cosmetic product, making it difficult to display decorations effectively, especially for transparent or semi-transparent products where visibility is desired.

Innovation Solution

The use of thermal sublimation photographic printing on at least one surface of the bottom base, which allows for durable and non-reactive decoration, enabling the display of graphical images or writing without direct contact with the cosmetic product, thus maintaining its properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional printing inks are used to decorate the inner surface of the bottom base, then the decoration can be applied, but the cosmetic product may be contaminated or its properties altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoration applicationVSAvoidproduct contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a transparent or semi-transparent bottom base wall as an intermediary element that separates the decorative printing from the cosmetic product. The decoration is applied on the outer surface of the bottom base, while the bottom base wall prevents direct contact between the ink and the product, thus eliminating contamination risk while maintaining aesthetic visibility through the transparent/semi-transparent material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the decoration effect by applying the printing on the outer surface of the bottom base rather than directly on the inner surface. This allows the decorative appearance to be achieved without the harmful effects of direct ink contact with the product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Illumination intensity

If the bottom base is decorated on the inner surface to be visible through transparent or semi-transparent products, then aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but the decoration may not be visible when products are opaque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoration visibilityVSAvoidproduct type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent shifts the decoration from the inner surface to the outer surface of the bottom base, changing the spatial dimension of decoration placement. This allows the decoration to be visible from the exterior of the packaging regardless of product transparency, as light can pass through the transparent/semi-transparent bottom base wall to illuminate the exterior decoration, or the decoration can be seen directly on the outer surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If printing is applied directly on the inner bottom surface, then decoration visibility is maximized for transparent products, but direct contact with the cosmetic product occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoration visibilityVSAvoidproduct integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent or semi-transparent bottom base wall serves as a mediator that allows optical transmission (maintaining decoration visibility) while providing physical separation (protecting product integrity). The decoration on the outer surface can be seen through the transparent/semi-transparent wall without the ink ever contacting the cosmetic product

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

This solution allows for aesthetically pleasing decoration on the bottom base that remains visible as the product is used, enhancing the packaging's appearance and user experience without compromising the product's integrity, whether the product is transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque.

Implementation Method 1

decorations made by thermal sublimation photographic printing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal sublimation: Sublimation

Data Source

PatentEP2926684B1Bottom base for cosmetic products and package for cosmetic products comprising such bottom base
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 B KOLORMAKEUP & SKINCARE SPA
  • EP2926684B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B

AI summary

A bottom base (11) for cosmetic products, with an upper surface (13) intended to constitute a support for the cosmetic product and a lower surface intended to rest on the bottom of an outer container, has at least one of said surfaces that is decorated with decorations (14) made by thermal sublimation photographic printing. A package for cosmetic products comprises an outer container (10) and a bottom base (11) thus made.