Cosmetic Container Valve Prevents Lotion Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic containers allow unused lotion to become contaminated after use, as lotion flows back into the reservoir and mixes with unused lotion, causing inconvenience and potential skin harm, and the applicator tip is rigid and uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic container design featuring a sleeve with valves that are closed by a spring-biased plunger, preventing backflow and contamination, along with a replaceable and customizable fibrous applicator that can be shaped differently and colored, ensuring the unused lotion remains uncontaminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cosmetic container uses a conventional open design allowing lotion to flow freely, then the applicator can be easily used, but the unused lotion becomes contaminated by backflow
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the applicator tip. The valve includes a valve seat and a valve member that opens to allow lotion flow during application but closes automatically when the cap is replaced, preventing contaminated lotion from flowing back into the reservoir and contaminating the unused lotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to automatically open when the cap is removed and automatically close when the cap is replaced, without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded valve member self-actuates based on the cap's presence or absence, providing automatic contamination prevention while maintaining ease of use.
2Strength
If the applicator tip is made rigid for structural integrity, then the applicator maintains its shape, but it causes discomfort to the skin when rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator tip is constructed from flexible material that can deform under light pressure to conform to skin contours during application, providing comfort. The flexibility allows the tip to be gentle on the skin while the overall applicator structure maintains sufficient rigidity through its design to hold its shape and deliver lotion effectively.
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator tip is fixed in shape, then the manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot be replaced with one having a different shape for different uses
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed as a separable component that can be detached and replaced. The applicator body can be removed from the handle and a different applicator tip can be attached in its place, allowing users to switch between different shapes and types for different cosmetic applications while keeping the main body intact.
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
Prevents contamination of unused lotion by ensuring valves close after use, maintaining lotion quality and providing a comfortable, customizable applicator experience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed in an annular gap between the hollow cylindrical element and the hollow cylindrical member
Implementation Method 2
a spring biased plunger
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic container includes an enclosure stored with cosmetic contents; a sleeve including an externally and internally extending rim at one end of a hollow cylinder, an extension at the other end of the hollow cylinder, at least one port through the extension, and at least one valve in the at least one port respectively; a spring biased plunger including a hollow cylindrical member, a disc shaped member at one end of the hollow cylindrical member, a hollow cylindrical element in the hollow cylindrical member, a stem extending forward from the disc shaped member, and an axial tunnel through the stem to communicate with the hollow cylindrical element; a hollow mount including an axial passageway placed on the stem and communicating with the tunnel; a hollow fibrous applicator with the mount disposed therein, and front opening members communicating with the passageway; and a cap releasably secured to the enclosure.