Cosmetic Container Mechanical Coupling via Tab and Claw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic and hygiene product containers face challenges in mechanical coupling and assembly when parts are made from different materials, such as plastic and metal, leading to adhesion issues and volume loss due to the use of staples.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring a tab on the outside part and a claw on the inside part, which are mechanically coupled in a non-demountable manner, allowing for easy assembly regardless of material type and minimizing volume loss, with a spacer to manage play and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is used to join two parts made from different materials (plastic and metal), then adhesion between materials is improved, but manufacturing complexity and reliability deteriorate due to difficulty in defining a suitable adhesive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesion system (adhesive) with a mechanical coupling system consisting of a tab on one part and a claw on the other part. The tab is inserted into the claw to create a mechanical interlock that joins the two parts made from different materials (plastic and metal) without requiring adhesive bonding, thereby simplifying manufacturing and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If staples are used to fasten the cage to the cap, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but device complexity increases due to addition of additional members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical coupling strengthVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coupling functions into the existing structural elements of the two parts. The tab is formed as an integral part of one component and the claw as an integral part of the other component, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements like staples. This reduces device complexity while maintaining mechanical coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If staples are used to fasten the cage to the cap, then mechanical coupling is achieved, but volume loss increases due to residual play and bulk of additional members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical coupling strengthVSAvoidvolume loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested configuration where the tab is inserted into the claw, with the tab fitting tightly within the claw's cavity. This nesting arrangement minimizes the bulk of the coupling system and eliminates residual play between the two parts, thereby reducing volume loss while maintaining secure mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10104953B2Mechanical coupling of a cosmetic product container

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE SAS

AI summary

A container for a cosmetic product, including an outer part that includes a bottom and a side wall extending from the bottom, and an inner part that includes a bottom and a side wall extending from the bottom, the inner part being inserted and fastened in the outer part as a result of the bottom of the outer part including a bridge-type tongue and the bottom of the inner part including a claw, the claw engaging beneath the tongue, fastening the inner part inside the outer part.