Cosmetic Packaging with Reflective Panel and Segmented Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product packaging fails to provide effective protection during transportation and use, is often non-degradable and contributes to waste, and lacks transparency and UV protection, which can damage the products.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic-product packaging system comprising an outer container with pivotally coupled lid, an inner container with customizable holding tabs for snug fit, and at least one reflective side panel for product application, all made from reusable and recyclable materials like paper or cardboard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If packaging is made non-transparent to protect from UV radiation, then product protection is improved, but visibility of the product is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV radiation protectionVSAvoidproduct visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into two separate containers: an outer container that provides UV protection and structural integrity, and an inner transparent container that allows product visibility. This segmentation allows each container to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner transparent container is nested within the outer protective container, creating a layered structure where the outer container protects from UV radiation while the inner container maintains product visibility. This nested arrangement resolves the contradiction by combining both protective and transparent functions in a unified packaging system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of substance

If packaging is designed for multi-purpose use beyond transportation, then waste reduction is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system is designed with multiple functions: the outer container provides structural protection and UV shielding, the inner container holds the cosmetic product and allows visibility, and the combined structure serves as a portable storage solution. This multi-functionality reduces waste by extending the packaging's useful life beyond simple transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging design enables recovery and reuse of both containers. The outer container can be reused as a storage box or cosmetic case, while the inner container can be removed and reused as a separate product holder. This recoverability reduces the need for disposable packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If a tight fit is provided for the cosmetic product, then product protection during transit is improved, but accessibility for user may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct protection during transitVSAvoidproduct accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is segmented into an outer container and an inner container that can be easily separated. The inner container provides a tight fit for the cosmetic product during transit, while the outer container serves as a protective shell. Users can easily remove the inner container for accessibility without compromising the tight fit that provides protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging transitions from a static tight fit to a dynamic removable structure. The inner container is designed to fit tightly for protection during storage and transport, but can be dynamically removed when needed for user access. This dynamic design allows the packaging to adapt between protective and accessible states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 packaging system provides enhanced protection and accessibility for cosmetic products, reduces waste by allowing the packaging to be reused and recycled, and offers a reflective surface for easy application, thereby extending the life of the packaging.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the planar side panels is arranged to be reflective for use in application of the one or more cosmetic products

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12262806B2Cosmetic-product packaging and method of manufacture thereof
Publication Date: 2025.04.01 PAT MCGRATH COSMETICS LLC
  • US12262806B2 patent drawing
  • US12262806B2 patent drawing
  • US12262806B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is disclosed is a cosmetic-product packaging. The cosmetic-product packaging includes an outer container, an inner container and a lid. The lid is pivotally coupled to the outer container. The outer container and the lid are provided with at least one lid projecting tab and at least one container projecting tab, such that a distal end of the lid projecting tab clips onto a distal end of the container projecting tab to secure the lid in a closed position to the outer container. The inner container is mountable within outer container. Furthermore, the inner container, in operation, accommodates a cosmetic product. The inner container is user-accessible when the lid is in open position, i.e. the distal ends of projecting tabs are spatially mutually separated, for accessing the cosmetic product. The inner container comprises customizable holding tabs and a planar side panel of the outer container is reflective.