Cosmetic Container With Spring Biased Plunger and Fibrous Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic containers face issues with uniform flow of liquid cosmetic contents to the brush, difficulty in manipulating the brush for skin application, separation of components leading to dislodgment, and increased friction due to the O-ring, resulting in contamination of unused lotion when exposed to air.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic container design featuring a spring-biased plunger with a flexible fibrous applicator, where the plunger and applicator are fastened together by complimentary grooves and ridges, and a cap with a knurled member for easy grip, allowing smooth sliding and preventing contamination by closing valves when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional brush applicator is used, then the cosmetic container can dispense liquid cosmetic contents, but the liquid cannot flow uniformly to the whole brush
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid brush applicator with a flexible fibrous applicator that can conform to the contours of the skin. The fibrous material allows liquid cosmetic contents to flow uniformly across the entire applicator surface through capillary action, while the flexibility enables easy manipulation and application to various skin areas.
2Reliability
If separate components (sleeve and plunger) are used, then the cosmetic container can be assembled, but the components may dislodge after a period of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sleeve and plunger into a single unitary component, eliminating the interface between separate parts that could lead to dislodgment. This merged design maintains all necessary functions while removing the reliability issue of component separation, and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If an O-ring is provided for sealing purposes, then the cosmetic container can seal the interior space, but the O-ring increases friction when sliding the plunger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the O-ring mechanical sealing system with a different sealing mechanism that does not rely on friction-based contact. This substitution maintains the sealing function to prevent contamination of unused lotion while eliminating the excessive friction that impeded smooth plunger sliding.
4Ease of operation
If the cap is removed for use, then the cosmetic container can be accessed, but the unused lotion in the enclosure is contaminated by air exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a valve system that proactively prevents contamination before it can occur. The valves remain closed during cap removal and only open when the plunger actively dispenses product, ensuring that air cannot enter and contaminate the unused lotion in the enclosure during normal use and storage cycles.
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
Ensures uniform distribution of cosmetic contents, prevents contamination of unused lotion, enhances user comfort during application, and maintains component integrity by ensuring smooth plunger movement and secure closure.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed in the main portion and put on the inner case so that the plunger is configured to slide relative to the mount
Implementation Method 2
the spring biased plunger... allows smooth sliding and preventing contamination by closing valves when not in use
Implementation Method 3
A flexible fibrous applicator including an application head... ensures uniform distribution of cosmetic contents
Implementation Method 4
The fibrous nature of the applicator allows the liquid cosmetic contents to uniformly flow to the outer surface of the fibrous applicator
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic container includes an enclosure including an opening; a cup shaped mount including an externally and internally extending rim disposed on the opening for partially disposing the mount in the opening, at least one port adjacent to a bottom portion, at least one valve each disposed in the port, and a main portion; a spring biased plunger partially disposed in the mount and including an annular flange on an outer surface, an inner case partially disposed in the main portion, a first channel defined by the inner case, an outer case extending outward from the flange, and a second channel defined by the outer case; a fibrous applicator including an application head and a cylindrical fastening member disposed in the second channel, and a tunnel extending through the fastening member into the application head; and a cap. The inner case can open or close the valve.