Cosmetic Cap Snap-Fit Mechanism for Damage-Free Cup Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product receptacles with removable cups are either expensive or damage the cosmetic product during replacement, as they often involve costly magnetic systems or apply radial mechanical stress that can harm the product.

Innovation Solution

A cup system comprising a lower and upper cup with a mechanical coupling mechanism that uses elastic deformation and snap-fastening, allowing for easy interchange without subjecting the cosmetic product to radial stress, made from plastic materials with specific design features like beads and ribs for secure engagement and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic systems are used for removable cups, then the cup can be easily removed and replaced, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cup replacementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive magnetic coupling systems with a simple mechanical snap-fit mechanism. The upper cup features a protrusion that engages with a corresponding recess in the lower cup, allowing for easy removal and replacement without magnetic components. This mechanical solution achieves the same ease of operation as magnetic systems while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If radial mechanical stress is applied during cup replacement, then the cup can be securely attached, but the cosmetic product gets damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup attachment strengthVSAvoidproduct damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cup into two separate parts (upper cup and lower cup) that can be independently handled. The upper cup containing the cosmetic product can be removed and replaced without applying radial stress to the product itself. The attachment strength is achieved through the protrusion-recess mechanism between cup parts, not through radial compression of the product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion-recess mechanism acts as an intermediary that transfers the attachment force between cup parts without transmitting radial stress to the cosmetic product. The mechanical engagement occurs at the cup interfaces rather than through the product, protecting it from damage while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single-piece cup is used, then the structure is simple, but the cup cannot be removed and replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup structure simplicityVSAvoidcup interchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cup into two separate but simple components: an upper cup and a lower cup. The lower cup remains fixed in the receptacle while the upper cup can be removed and replaced. This segmentation provides interchangeability while keeping each individual cup part structurally simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 cost-effective, damage-free mechanism for replacing cosmetic product cups, ensuring the integrity of the product during changes and allowing for angular orientation of the stick for better branding visibility, while maintaining the receptacle's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the joining and/or the unjoining of said two parts taking place by interlocking of said two parts with one another by elastic deformation according to forces oriented tangentially to the circular section of said lower cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3082497B1Cap, and cosmetic container, particularly for cosmetic stick and including said cap

Publication Date: 2019.05.29 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a cap for cosmetic container, particularly for a cosmetic stick. Said cap (10, 20) is capable of receiving the cosmetic and is driven by a mechanism, referred to as an actuating mechanism (30), for actuating said container. The cap (10, 20) comprises two parts: a first part, referred to as a bottom cap (20), configured such as to engage with the actuating mechanism; and a second part, referred to as a top cap (10) capable of receiving the cosmetic. The bottom cap (20) and top cap (10) are separable from one another, the securing and/or separation of said two parts (10, 20) being achieved by resiliently deforming one portion of one of said two parts (10, 20) by means of the other of said two parts (10, 20). The invention also relates to a cosmetic container, particularly for a cosmetic stick and including the above-mentioned cap.