Mono-material Cosmetic Refill with Rotating Platform and Cup Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic product dispenser receptacles are not recyclable due to the use of diverse materials like plastic and metal, and existing solutions face issues with centering and securing the refill cup, leading to potential damage or improper closure.
Innovation Solution
A refill system with a movable platform that uses a positioning system with inclined surfaces and clamping lugs to center and secure the cup, combined with a hooking system to ensure reliable closure, all made from the same plastic material for recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal pin is used for the hinge connection, then the rotational movement of the lid is constrained and stable, but the receptacle becomes non-recyclable due to diverse materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal pin with a plastic pin made of the same material as the receptacle components, achieving material homogeneity for recyclability while maintaining the hinge's rotational constraint function through optimized plastic-pin geometry and engagement features
2Ease of manufacture
If a plastic pin is used for the hinge connection, then the receptacle becomes recyclable with single material, but the plastic pin is more fragile and causes free rotational movement without constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic pin incorporates pre-formed engagement features and geometric constraints that automatically provide rotational limitation when the platform is closed, eliminating the need for additional constraint mechanisms and ensuring reliable operation from the first use
3Reliability
If the platform is pressed strongly against the cup to prevent movement, then the cup is securely held, but the cup may be damaged and the powder may crack
Solution Approach 1:
The platform features a localized cushioning element positioned at the specific contact point with the cup, providing targeted protection against excessive pressure while maintaining secure holding through distributed contact points and flexible support structures
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the platform is pressed weakly against the cup, then the cup is not damaged, but the cup may still move within the support
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates a cushioning element with viscoelastic properties that exhibit both softness for protection and firmness for stabilization, creating a composite structure that simultaneously prevents cup damage and ensures secure positioning through time-dependent deformation characteristics
5Manufacturing precision
If the platform is made flexible to accommodate dimensional variations, then the cup can be centered, but the platform may be positioned too far forward making snapping inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates a laterally extending stopping element that provides closure reliability in a different spatial dimension, preventing forward displacement while allowing vertical flexibility for cup centering through multi-dimensional geometric constraints
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a refill (0) for a cosmetic product dispenser receptacle (1), comprising: - a base (2) defining a housing adapted to receive a cup (34) containing the cosmetic product, - a platform (4) for holding the cup (34) in position, the platform (4) being rotatable relative to the base (2) between a closed position adapted to clamp the cup (34) and an open position allowing the cup (34) to be removed, this platform (4) being connected to the base (2) by a pivot joint. This refill includes a cup (34) positioning system to limit any relative movement of the cup (34) with respect to the base (2), this positioning system comprising a bearing surface (25) of the platform (4) adapted to bear against an upper edge of the cup (34), this bearing surface (25) having at least one positioning means.