Cosmetic Packaging Tube with Elastic Retention Without Magnets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic packaging devices, particularly those without magnets, face challenges in achieving reliable product retention and easy access while minimizing ecological impact.

Innovation Solution

A packaging device utilizing a retaining element with an elastic restoring force, such as an elastomer or spring, to maintain the product in a retracted position, allowing easy transition to a release position with a simple user force, and featuring a neutralizable mechanism for reliable and flexible operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magnetic retaining element is used to hold the support in the retracted position, then the reliability of product retention is improved, but the ecological impact increases due to magnetic materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct retention reliabilityVSAvoidecological impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic retaining element with an elastic retaining element that uses elastic deformation to hold the support in the retracted position. The elastic element deforms under the action of the actuator and returns to its original shape to maintain retention, eliminating the need for magnetic materials while preserving the reliability of product retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the retaining element from magnetic to elastic. The elastic element utilizes elastic modulus and deformation parameters to provide the retaining force, replacing the magnetic field-based retention mechanism with a mechanically-based elastic recovery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a strong magnetic retaining element is used to ensure reliable product retention, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct retention reliabilityVSAvoidretaining mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic component from the retaining mechanism, isolating the essential retention function and implementing it through a simpler elastic element. This removal of the magnetic component simplifies the device structure while maintaining the reliability of product retention through elastic deformation and recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic retaining element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The elastic element provides sufficient retention force through its material properties rather than complex magnetic fields, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If a magnetic return system is used to exert restoring force, then the restoring force is improved, but the ecological impact and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoring forceVSAvoidreturn system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic return system with an elastic return system that uses elastic deformation to provide the restoring force. The elastic element deforms under compression or tension and returns to its original shape, providing a simple and effective restoring force mechanism without requiring magnetic fields or complex magnetic component assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic return element is implemented as a simple, inexpensive component that provides sufficient restoring force through its material elasticity. This approach eliminates the need for complex magnetic return systems while maintaining the necessary force characteristics for reliable product retention and release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The device provides easy and reliable product access with reduced environmental impact by using a non-magnetic retaining element, ensuring robust and efficient operation with minimal user effort.

Implementation Method 1

The retaining element comprises an elastic element, in particular an elastomer or a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4440375B1Device for packaging a product
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR SA
  • EP4440375B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4440375B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4440375B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for packaging a product, especially a cosmetic product, comprising a tube (10) having an open end (12), a support (30) for the product, which support is movable in the tube (10) between a retracted position, in which the support (30) is held by a retaining element (50), and a released position, an actuator (60) that is able to neutralize the retaining element (50) and thereby cause the support (30) to move from the retracted position to the released position as a result of a restoring force, the retaining element (50) being configured to automatically reset when the actuator (60) is not being actuated.