Cosmetic Dispensing Spatula with Pump and Controlled Droplet Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic dispensing spatulas often lead to contamination of surroundings due to excess cosmetic oozing and difficulty in disposing of surplus, causing mess and potential contamination of hands and objects.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic-dispensing spatula with a case unit, pump unit, and spatula unit, featuring a storage space, pump mechanism, and dispensing holes on the spatula surface, allowing controlled dispensing of small droplets, reducing the likelihood of cosmetic spillage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spatula is dipped into the container holding the cosmetic, then the cosmetic gets on the spatula for application, but the cosmetic inevitably gets on both sides of the spatula causing potential contamination of surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The spatula is divided into distinct functional zones: a first surface for applying cosmetic to the face and a second surface for a different function. This segmentation allows the patent to address contamination issues by isolating the cosmetic application area from other surfaces that might cause contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the controlled dispensing system with pump unit and discharge channel) that mediates between the cosmetic container and the application surface. This intermediary controls exactly where and how much cosmetic is dispensed, preventing unwanted contamination on the second surface or surroundings.
2Quantity of substance
If too much cosmetic gets on the spatula, then sufficient cosmetic is available for application, but it becomes difficult to dispose of the surplus cosmetic causing mess
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit with discharge channel and dispensing holes enables the spatula to self-regulate cosmetic dispensing. The system automatically controls the quantity of cosmetic released based on user input (pressing the spatula), eliminating the need for manual scraping and preventing surplus cosmetic from creating mess.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of cosmetic delivery from passive (dipping and excess accumulation) to active controlled dispensing. By adjusting the discharge channel and dispensing hole parameters, the system precisely controls the quantity of cosmetic released, preventing both insufficient and excessive amounts that cause mess.
3Ease of operation
If the spatula is designed with a pump unit and discharge channel, then controlled dispensing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump unit, discharge channel, and dispensing holes into an integrated spatula structure. By combining these components rather than keeping them separate, the device achieves controlled dispensing functionality while minimizing the increase in overall complexity and maintaining a compact form factor.
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
Enhances user convenience by allowing easy, controlled dispensing of cosmetics, minimizing the risk of contamination by preventing excess cosmetic from spilling onto surfaces other than the intended application area.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit, which is coupled to an upper portion of the case unit, has an inlet communicating with the storage space formed in a lower portion thereof and an outlet formed in an upper portion thereof, and is configured to suction the content from the inlet and discharge the content at the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic-dispensing spatula includes: a case unit having a storage space for holding a liquid content; a pump unit that is coupled to an upper portion of the case unit and is configured to suction the content from the inlet and discharge the content at the outlet; and a spatula unit that is coupled to an upper portion of the pump unit and includes a discharge channel and a spreader surface. The discharge channel communicates with the outlet, and the spreader surface has a dispensing hole formed therein that communicates with the discharge channel. The pump unit is configured to discharge the content when the spatula unit is pressed downward.