Cosmetic Receptacle Hinge Ring for Concealed Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product receptacles with visible hinge openings when open are aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A receptacle design featuring a ring that conceals the hinge opening and allows the cover to rotate and tilt while remaining attached, using a double articulation mechanism with a hinge member and ring to maintain concealment during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hinge member with an opening for circulation is used to allow cover rotation and tilting, then the cover can move between closed, intermediate, and open positions while remaining attached to the base, but the opening becomes visible when the cover is open, creating an aesthetically unpleasing appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover movement capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A ring element is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge member and the external environment. This ring rotates together with the hinge member and cover, serving as a mediator that conceals the circulation opening while allowing the hinge mechanism to function. The ring acts as a visual barrier that maintains aesthetic appearance without interfering with the mechanical operation of the hinge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution applies local quality by making the ring element transparent or translucent only in the specific region where it needs to allow visual perception, while remaining opaque in other regions to conceal the opening. This selective transparency allows the ring to simultaneously fulfill its concealing function and maintain aesthetic appearance, addressing the local aesthetic problem without compromising overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the hinge member is integrated into the base with a circulation opening, then the mechanism allows smooth rotation and tilting movement, but the visible opening creates an unsightly appearance on the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge integrationVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ring serves as an intermediary element that bridges the functional requirement of the hinge opening and the aesthetic requirement of a clean appearance. It is positioned between the opening and the external viewer, mediating the visual impact while allowing mechanical movement to proceed unimpeded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring is designed to rotate dynamically together with the hinge member and cover assembly. This dynamic behavior ensures that the ring maintains its concealing function throughout the entire range of motion, from closed to intermediate to open positions, rather than being a static cover that would interfere with movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cover remains attached to the base through a hinge mechanism during use, then the formula can be accessed for application, but the visible hinge opening compromises the aesthetic quality of the receptacle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover position flexibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ring acts as a visual intermediary that allows the hinge mechanism to maintain its adaptability and versatility in positioning the cover, while simultaneously protecting the aesthetic appeal by concealing the opening. The ring moves with the system, ensuring continuous concealment across all operational positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses the aesthetic problem by adding another dimension to the design - the ring element extends the visual envelope of the receptacle, creating an additional layer that conceals the opening. This dimensional addition allows the hinge to function freely while the aesthetic requirement is met through the extra visual layer provided by the ring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20260047661A1Receptacle for a product, particularly a cosmetic product
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • US20260047661A1 patent drawing
  • US20260047661A1 patent drawing
  • US20260047661A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A receptacle for a cosmetic product is described. The receptacle has a longitudinal axis and comprises a base, a cover for said base, a ring, and a hinge. The ring is mobile in rotation with respect to the base about said longitudinal axis. The hinge member is mobile in rotation with respect to the base with said ring to allow the cover (i) to pass between a closed position and an intermediate position by rotation about said longitudinal axis and (ii) to pass between said intermediate position and an open position by tilting the cover with respect to the base while maintaining the cover secured to the base. The base includes an opening for circulation of said hinge member. The ring conceals said opening.