Cosmetic Case Rotating Lid and Dispenser Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product cases for powdery products face issues with non-selective dispensing, inaccurate control of dispensed quantity, risk of soiling, and dispersion during transportation and use, due to inadequate locking and dispensing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic product case design featuring a rotatable lid and dispensing device with a multi-purpose control member that selectively unlocks the lid and dispensing device, allowing for precise dispensing control, separation of unlocking and dispensing functions, and independent closure without dispensing, using a dual-force mechanism to manage the dispensing device's position and locking states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual button is integrated to control locking means, then the lid can be locked securely, but the case aesthetics and ergonomics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button is integrated into the applicator handle, merging the locking control function with the applicator component. This eliminates the need for a separate button on the case body, preserving aesthetics while providing secure locking control through the applicator itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator serves multiple functions: it applies makeup and simultaneously controls the locking mechanism. By making the applicator multi-functional, the design maintains case aesthetics while ensuring reliable locking through a integrated control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a grid or sieve is used for dispensing cosmetic product, then the product can be dispensed, but selective dispensing control and accurate quantity control are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing capabilityVSAvoiddispensed quantity control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is designed to move between a retracted position (where it does not contact the cosmetic product) and an advanced position (where it contacts and picks up product). This dynamic positioning enables selective dispensing control, allowing the user to precisely control when and how much product is dispensed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator's position relative to the cosmetic product provides visual feedback to the user. When the applicator is retracted, no product is dispensed; when advanced, product is picked up and dispensed. This positional feedback mechanism enables accurate quantity control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the applicator is in direct contact with dispensed cosmetic product, then makeup application is enabled, but soiling of fingers and uncontrollable impregnation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup applicationVSAvoidsoiling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator dynamically changes position between retracted and advanced states. When retracted, the applicator tip is positioned away from the cosmetic product, preventing soiling. When advanced, it contacts the product for controlled pickup and application, enabling makeup application without finger soiling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the lid is continuously connected to the base by hinge, then the case forms one single assembly, but the opening gesture becomes complex and requires finding a surface for the lid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly integrityVSAvoidopening gesture
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The case is segmented into three independent components: the base, the hinged lid, and the rotatable dispensing device. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, simplifying the opening gesture while maintaining assembly integrity through controlled connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If locking means are used to lock the lid in closed position, then unwanted openings during transportation are prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking control function is merged with the applicator button, which simultaneously controls both the lid locking and dispensing device locking. This integration reduces device complexity by using a single control mechanism for multiple locking functions while ensuring transportation security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11375795B2Case for a cosmetic product, in particular a powdery cosmetic product
Publication Date: 2022.07.05 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • US11375795B2 patent drawing
  • US11375795B2 patent drawing
  • US11375795B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cosmetic product, in particular a powdery cosmetic product, includesa lid that is mounted rotationally mobile with respect to a base between at least one closed position and one open position of the case,first locking mechanism to lock the lid in a closed position,a dispensing device arranged between the lid and the base, and that is mounted rotationally mobile between at least one lowered position and one raised position, the dispensing device including a control member intended to be actuated to command the dispensing of the cosmetic product, andsecond locking mechanism to lock the dispensing device in the lowered positionThe control member of the dispensing device is configured to command the unlocking of the first locking mechanism of the lid and the unlocking of the second locking mechanism of the dispensing device.