Removable Cosmetic Support Frame for Recycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product receptacles face challenges in recycling due to bonded components, which complicates the separation and reuse of plastic and non-plastic parts, affecting the installation and removal of cosmetic articles and the overall recycling process.

Innovation Solution

A removable support system for cosmetic articles, featuring a frame with a front face wall and side opening for translational movement, elastic holding means, and latching mechanisms, allowing for improved installation, removal, and recycling by enabling the cosmetic article to be securely positioned and easily extracted from the receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cosmetic articles are bonded to the receptacle base and lid, then the product appears top-of-the-range with secure installation, but the components cannot be separated for recycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation securityVSAvoidrecycling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support is divided into a frame structure with a base portion and a front face wall, creating separable components. The cosmetic article is retained by the frame structure rather than being permanently bonded, allowing the support to be removed as a unit from the receptacle for recycling purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support transitions from a static bonded state to a dynamic removable state. The frame structure allows the cosmetic article to be inserted and secured, then subsequently removed through lateral opening access, enabling both secure installation and easy removal for recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If cosmetic articles are removably positioned in the receptacle, then recycling is facilitated, but the installation and removal gestures become complex and retention is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling capabilityVSAvoidinstallation gesture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure acts as an intermediary between the cosmetic article and the receptacle. It provides a structured interface with guiding surfaces that direct the insertion motion, and abutments that secure the article, simplifying the removal gesture while maintaining secure retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the frame structure have specialized local functions: the base portion provides structural support and engagement with the receptacle, the front face wall provides guidance and visibility, and the abutments provide localized retention. This distributed functionality simplifies the overall installation gesture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the support structure is complex with multiple components, then retention and positioning are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticle retentionVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into the frame structure: the base portion engages with the receptacle base, the front face wall provides guidance and visibility, and abutments provide retention. This integrated approach achieves reliable article retention without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the cosmetic article, guides its insertion, provides structural support, and enables removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing overall device complexity.

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

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 solution enhances the reliability of installation and removal gestures while promoting recycling by allowing the cosmetic article to be removably positioned within the receptacle, facilitating the separation of components for proper recycling channels and maintaining a high-quality product impression.

Implementation Method 1

said elastic means are configured to press against said cosmetic article to hold said article securely in said housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3991597B1Support for cosmetic product, assembly of said support and said product and container provided with said assembly
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • EP3991597B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3991597B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3991597B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Support (1) for a cosmetic article (2), said support (1) being configured to be removably positioned in a receptacle, said support (1) comprising a frame (8) defining a housing (10) for said article (2), said frame (8) having a front face wall (12) having a front face opening (14) allowing access to and/or making visible said article (2), said frame (8) further having a lateral opening (16), said frame (8) being configured for insertion of said article (2) into said housing (10), through said lateral opening (16), by a translational movement to a positioning position, said translation being effected by guiding said article with means of said front face wall (12), said front face wall (12) comprising stops (20, 22) intended to hold said article (2) in the positioning position.