Automated Cosmetic Dispenser with Segmented Ingredient Mixing
Solution Overview
Problem
In the retail point of sale cosmetics industry, consumers are limited by pre-packaged products with fixed color options, lacking the ability to custom blend colors due to manufacturing and practical limitations, and require assistance from technicians for product customization.
Innovation Solution
A point-of-sale custom formulation dispensing apparatus with automated dispensing of ingredients from multiple containers, using a computer-controlled robot arm and user interface, allowing customers to select custom formulations without technician assistance, and featuring a mixer for immediate product use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-packaged products with fixed color options are used, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but consumer choice and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic product is segmented into multiple separate ingredient containers, each containing different colorants or cosmetic ingredients. The automated dispensing system selectively dispenses specific ingredients from these containers to create customized formulations, allowing consumers to choose from over 50 color candidates while the manufacturer only needs to stock individual ingredient components rather than pre-packaged finished products.
2Quantity of substance
If a finite number of pre-selected color choices are displayed, then inventory costs are reduced, but the consumer's ability to find desired colors is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables consumers to independently create custom color formulations by selecting from a wide range of color ingredients displayed in the automated dispensing apparatus. The computer-controlled system guides consumers through the customization process, allowing them to mix and match ingredients to achieve their desired colors without requiring technician assistance, thereby expanding color selection while maintaining manageable inventory levels.
3Ease of operation
If technicians are employed to assist customers with product customization, then service quality is improved, but operational costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual process of technician-assisted customization is replaced with an automated computer-controlled dispensing system. The apparatus includes a user interface that guides consumers through the customization process, computer-controlled mechanisms that automatically dispense precise amounts of ingredients, and an integrated mixing system that combines the ingredients. This automation eliminates the need for technician intervention while maintaining high service quality and providing consistent, repeatable results.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive inventory of pre-packaged products is maintained to offer variety, then product availability is improved, but storage space and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispensing apparatus serves multiple functions: it stores individual ingredient components, dispenses precise amounts of each ingredient, mixes the ingredients according to consumer specifications, and packages the final customized product. By consolidating these functions into a single system, the apparatus eliminates the need for extensive storage of pre-packaged finished products while maintaining the ability to offer over 50 color candidates and numerous formulation variations.
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
Enables customers to create customized cosmetic products independently, enhancing customer interaction and sales by offering over 50 candidates without maintaining extensive inventory, reducing operational costs and increasing sales in retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the dispensed ingredients
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.