Cosmetic Cap Assembly with Magnetic Release for Recycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic product caps, such as those for perfume bottles, are often difficult to recycle due to their design and manufacturing, leading to ecological and economic drawbacks.

Innovation Solution

A cap assembly for cosmetic product containers featuring a first element with radially elastically deformable tabs and a second element with notches, along with additional release means such as a magnet or axially movable tool, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly for recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cap elements are made difficult to disassemble, then the cap structure is more stable and secure, but the difficulty of recycling increases and ecological sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap structure stabilityVSAvoidrecycling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is divided into multiple separable elements (first element, second element, and release means) that can be easily separated from each other. The tabs and notches create modular connection points that allow the elements to be segmented for recycling while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables easy recovery and recycling of cap elements by providing release means that allow the elements to be separated and recovered individually. The magnetic or mechanical release mechanisms facilitate the discarding of the cap from the container while preserving the elements for potential reuse or recycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of manufacture

If additional release means are added to enable easy disassembly, then recycling becomes easier, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling easeVSAvoidcap assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical disassembly mechanisms with a magnetic field-based release system. The magnet interacts with ferromagnetic material in the first element to automatically release the tabs from notches, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or complex mechanical release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet acts as an intermediary between the user and the cap elements, mediating the release process. Instead of directly manipulating the tabs and notches, the user activates the magnet which then interacts with the ferromagnetic material to trigger the release, simplifying the user interface while enabling easy disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the tabs are made radially elastically deformable, then the assembly process becomes easier, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidtab deformation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tabs are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to deform radially under controlled conditions. The material selection and geometric design of the tabs provide the necessary elasticity to enable easy insertion and assembly while maintaining sufficient rigidity to hold the connection securely during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the easy disassembly and recycling of cap components, reducing waste and promoting ecological sustainability while maintaining the cap's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a member having magnetic properties which is adapted to be displaced under the effect of a determined external magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the first element includes tabs which are radially elastically deformable for assembling/disassembling the second element on the first element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12201205B2Assembly forming a cap for a cosmetic product container comprising two elements and release means

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 QUALIPAC

AI summary

A housing for cosmetic product(s), including at least one base to receive a cosmetic product and a mirror-bearing lid which is articulated with respect to the base by means of a hinge. A spacer plate connected to the base and including at least one through-opening passing through the thickness thereof so as to form a compartment directly surrounding the cosmetic product. The hinge includes a first upper pivot that is as one with the mirror-bearing lid, a pivot pin for the hinge, and a second lower pivot that is connected to the spacer plate so as to form the hinge. The pivots and the pivot pin are removably connectable to each other such that the mirror-bearing lid can be detached from the base and repositioned thereon as desired.