Cosmetic Packaging Translational Unlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic product packaging devices require users to use both hands for opening, are limited in design due to circular shapes, and suffer from impermeability issues when worn, especially for individuals with impaired motor functions.
Innovation Solution
A packaging device with a translational unlocking mechanism along the opening axis, a seal engaging radially with the container neck, and a retaining mechanism supported by an insert, ensuring impermeability even in the unlocked position, allowing for non-circular cross-section designs and easy one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a screw closure mechanism is used to join the cap and container, then the packaging is secure and impermeable, but the design is constrained to circular shapes and requires two hands for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a retaining assembly with retaining elements that can engage with the container, and an actuating mechanism that moves the retaining assembly between locked and unlocked positions. This segmentation allows the cap to be actuated with one hand while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the container. The actuating mechanism dynamically transitions the retaining assembly from a locked state where retaining elements engage the container to an unlocked state where they disengage, enabling easy one-handed operation.
2Reliability
If a screw closure mechanism is used to ensure impermeability, then the packaging is sealed, but the sealing force varies during unscrewing and impermeability is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the screwing motion and assigned to a separate seal element positioned between the cap and container. The seal engages radially with the container opening, maintaining constant sealing pressure independent of the unscrewing force, thus ensuring impermeability throughout the opening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed to maintain constant sealing pressure throughout the opening process by engaging radially with the container opening. This creates an equipotential sealing condition where the sealing force remains uniform regardless of the varying unscrewing force applied to the cap.
3Device complexity
If friction-fitting is used to retain the applicator element in the cap, then the structure is simple, but the friction decreases with wear and can no longer hold the elements together
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into a retaining assembly with discrete retaining elements that positively engage with the applicator element. Instead of relying on distributed friction, the retaining elements provide concentrated mechanical interlocking through engagement features such as protrusions and recesses, maintaining retention strength despite wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining assembly includes retaining elements designed to compensate for wear over time. The engagement features are dimensioned to maintain adequate retention strength even after extended use, effectively cushioning against the degradation that would occur with pure friction-fitting.
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 maintains product impermeability in both locked and unlocked states, facilitates easy one-handed use, and offers design flexibility beyond circular shapes, addressing usability and impermeability challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a return means positioned between the closing-off element and the actuating means so as to generate a force that tends to move these two elements away from one another
Implementation Method 2
The contact between the seal and the closing-off element and/or between the seal and the neck of the container takes place radially with respect to the movement axis of the cover element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 8~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for packaging a cosmetic product, comprising a container (10) having an opening defined by a neck (12) of the container, and a cap (20) for closing the container (10). The cap (20) comprises a cover element (22), a closing-off element (40) for the opening, connected to the cover element (22), a spring member (39) located between the cover element(22) and the closing-off element (40), and a mechanism (30) for locking the cap on the container (10). According to the invention, the locking mechanism (30) comprises a means (25) for retaining the cover element on the container and a means (31) for actuating the retaining means (25) so as to selectively enable the cover element (22) to move with respect to the container (10) from a locked position of the cover element to an unlocked position of the cover element (22) in which the cap (20) can be separated freely from the container (10).