Cosmetic Refill Sleeve Actuation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refill systems for cosmetic products lack protection and tamper evidence, leading to unintentional extension and potential damage of the product when the refill is not inserted in a container, and are often complex and costly to produce.

Innovation Solution

A refill system with a movable cosmetic product stick housed in a sleeve closed by at least one lid, which serves as a sealing and tamper-evident mechanism, and an actuation unit that prevents actuation until properly mounted on a base, featuring a cap and base design that allows for interchangeable refills and protects the product.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the refill is made interchangeable and removable from the container, then the container can be reused with different refills, but the cosmetic product becomes vulnerable to unintentional actuation and damage when not inserted in the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeability of refillVSAvoidprotection of cosmetic product

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The refill is divided into separate functional components: the cosmetic product stick, the actuation unit, and the sleeve. This segmentation allows the product to be interchangeable while maintaining protection through the sleeve structure that can function independently when removed from the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve acts as an intermediary protective element between the cosmetic product and the external environment. It provides continuous protection whether the refill is inserted in the container or removed, eliminating the vulnerability period when the product would otherwise be exposed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the actuation unit is accessible outside the container, then the refill can be used independently, but the cosmetic product can be unintentionally extended and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent use of refillVSAvoidunintentional extension and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is pre-configured to cover and protect the actuation unit before the refill is inserted into the container. This preliminary protective action ensures that the actuation mechanism cannot be accidentally activated during handling or storage, while still allowing intentional actuation when properly inserted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve functions as a flexible protective shell that can accommodate the actuation unit while preventing unintended activation. The sleeve's design allows it to provide continuous protection whether the refill is in the container or removed, eliminating the harmful effect of unintentional extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the refill lacks sealing protection when removed from the container, then the structure is simpler, but the cosmetic product is exposed to contamination and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of refillVSAvoidcontamination and degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the cosmetic product, protects the actuation unit, provides structural support, and enables interchangeability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components, maintaining simplicity while providing comprehensive protection against contamination and degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11406169B2Container for a cosmetic product and refill for such a container

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

AI summary

A refill intended to be removably mounted on an actuation base includes a cosmetic product stick and a sleeve inside which the stick is movably mounted. The sleeve is closed by at least one lid. The refill further includes an actuation unit making it possible for retraction and/or extension of the cosmetic product stick, the sleeve extending along the actuation unit so as to prevent its actuation.