Cosmetic Case Locking Mechanism Without Pushbutton
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic cases with pushbutton locking mechanisms are unsuitable for thin designs, as they require a visible and large pushbutton that compromises both ease of use and locking security, making them impractical for thin cases.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic case design featuring a base and cover hinged via a pivot connection, with a sliding or pivoting additional part that engages/disengages a locking mechanism, eliminating the need for a pushbutton and allowing for a thinner, more aesthetically pleasing and easily openable structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pushbutton locking mechanism is used, then the case can be opened easily, but the case thickness increases and the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional pushbutton from the locking mechanism, extracting the visible operating element that caused both aesthetic and thickness problems. The locking mechanism is redesigned so that the cover itself, through its movement relative to the base, directly actuates the locking and unlocking actions without requiring a separate pushbutton component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cover with the locking mechanism operation. The cover's opening and closing movements are directly coupled with the locking mechanism, so that the single motion of opening the cover simultaneously performs both the unlocking and opening functions, eliminating the need for a separate pushbutton.
2Ease of operation
If a pushbutton is made large enough for easy handling, then ease of opening is improved, but the case size and thickness must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pushbutton from the system entirely, replacing it with a direct mechanical coupling between the cover and locking mechanism. This eliminates the need for a large, space-consuming pushbutton while maintaining ease of operation through the natural movement of the cover.
3Length of stationary object
If the case is made thin, then aesthetics and portability are improved, but pushbutton-based locking becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover movement with the locking mechanism actuation into a single integrated motion. The cover's opening movement directly drives the locking mechanism, allowing thin case design while maintaining effective locking and easy opening through the unified motion of the cover itself.
4Reliability
If a visible locking mechanism is used, then security is improved, but aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the cover structure itself, making the locking function integral to the cover rather than a separate visible component. The locking mechanism is positioned and designed to work through the cover's movement, maintaining security while preserving aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic case includes a base, a cover and a closing/opening means, the base and the cover being hinged with respect to one another via a pivot connection, the case being capable of occupying two separate positions, a closed position wherein the cover is held in position on the base by the closing/opening means and an open position wherein the cover is free to pivot with respect to the base. The closing/opening means includes an additional part which is in slide connection or in pivot connection with the cover, and a locking means connected to the additional part—respectively to the base, the locking means being designed to each cooperate with a housing provided in/on the base—respectively in/on the additional part.