Decoupled Cosmetic Compact Cap Motion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic compact designs with caps capable of simultaneous translation and rotation are unstable and prone to inadvertent movement during use, leading to fumbling and exposure issues, while also requiring multiple efforts for opening and closing.
Innovation Solution
A unitary cosmetic compact design where the cap can only perform one type of motion (translation or rotation) at a time, decoupling these motions, and incorporating a selective rotation mechanism that allows rotation only when the cap is fully extended and prevents translation after rotation, ensuring the cosmetic article is not exposed until in the ready-to-use position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cap is designed to perform compound motion (simultaneous translation and rotation), then the compact can be opened and closed efficiently, but the stability of the compact in the user's hands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cap's motion into two separate, sequential movements: first translation (vertical movement) and then rotation (pivoting). This segmentation prevents compound motion, ensuring the compact remains stable during use while still allowing efficient opening and closing through the two-step process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanism that changes the cap's degrees of freedom based on its position. When the cap is in the closed position, it can translate vertically. When translated to the open position, it can then rotate. This dynamic control of motion sequences maintains stability while enabling efficient operation.
2Ease of operation
If the cap allows simultaneous translation and rotation, then the compact operation is simplified, but the risk of inadvertent article exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the cap to complete the translation movement first, establishing a predetermined sequence. Only after this preliminary action is complete does the rotation become possible. This ensures the article carrier is properly positioned before the cap pivots away, preventing inadvertent exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the selective rotation mechanism) that mediates between the translation and rotation movements. This intermediary ensures that rotation only occurs after translation is complete, providing reliable control over article exposure while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cap can rotate 180° under the base with translational movement still possible, then the compact design is more flexible, but additional force is required to overcome snap engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the selective rotation mechanism to prevent rotation until translation is complete. This pre-established constraint eliminates the need for users to overcome snap engagement forces during rotation, as the mechanism naturally guides the motion sequence without requiring additional force.
4Ease of operation
If pressure is applied directly to the exposed article during use, then the user can manipulate the compact, but the article may shift creating an unstable situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the article carrier's translational freedom at the moment of use. By preventing further translation of the article carrier once the cap is in the open position, the design allows users to manipulate the compact without risking article shift, maintaining both ease of operation and article stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cosmetic compact of increased stability, comprising a base, a cosmetic article carrier disposed within the base and a cap. With respect to the base, the cap is sometimes capable of translation and sometimes capable of rotation, but the cap can only perform one type of motion at a time, depending on the relative orientation of the cap and base. There is one orientation of the cap with respect to the base from which a user may execute either translation or rotation, but not simultaneously. A selective rotation mechanism decouples translational motion of the cap from rotational motion. Thus, compound movement of the cap, with respect to the base, is not possible. Translation of the cap with respect to the base causes translation of the article carrier. Inadvertent movement of the carrier is eliminated, because when the device is in an orientation for use, translation of the carrier is prohibited.