Refillable Deodorant Stick With Embedded Bridges Against Shearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refillable deodorant stick products face issues with stick composition shearing off from its retaining member due to manual engagement stresses during refilling and lateral forces during application, especially when without a central spindle, and oval cross-sections exacerbate this problem, leading to breakage and compromised pay-out.

Innovation Solution

A deodorant stick composition comprising at least 50% glycols, 5-40% water, and 1-20% sodium salt of C14-C22 fatty acids, with a molar ratio of free fatty acid to sodium salt less than 1:99, embedded with elements of the retaining member, is manufactured by combining and cooling these components with a base to form a solid stick attached to the member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the deodorant stick composition is manually engaged with the holder during refilling, then the refillable product can be assembled, but stresses are placed upon the stick composition and retaining member causing potential shearing off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefillable product assemblyVSAvoidbond strength between stick and retaining member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is pre-formed with arcuate bridge structures that arc into the composition during manufacturing. These bridges are embedded in the composition before the product is assembled, creating pre-established anchoring points that prevent shearing off during manual engagement and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the deodorant stick product does not have a central spindle, then the structure is simplified, but lateral forces during application cause the stick composition to shear off from the retaining member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidresistance to lateral forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a central spindle for overall reinforcement, the invention applies local reinforcement by embedding arcuate bridge structures specifically at the interface between the retaining member and the composition. These localized bridges provide targeted strength where lateral forces are applied during application, eliminating the need for a complex central spindle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If the deodorant stick has an oval cross-section, then it is aesthetically pleasing, but lateral stress during topical application increases the likelihood of breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidresistance to lateral stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The arcuate bridge structures are strategically positioned at the critical interface between the retaining member and the oval cross-section composition. These localized reinforcements specifically address the lateral stress points created by the oval shape during application, allowing the aesthetic oval cross-section to be maintained without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the stick composition is drawn across the skin during application, then the deodorant is delivered to the target area, but lateral forces are exerted on the stick composition causing shearing off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication processVSAvoidbond strength during application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The arcuate bridge structures are embedded in the composition during manufacturing, creating pre-established anchoring points before application. This preliminary reinforcement allows the composition to withstand the lateral forces generated during the drawing application process without shearing off from the retaining member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 retention and structural strength, ensuring uncompromised pay-out and delivery, with improved bond strength and hardness, reducing shearing off and breakage.

Implementation Method 1

cooling the flowable liquid such that it forms a solid deodorant stick composition attached to the retention member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change (liquid to solid): Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4504136B1Deodorant stick products

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

A refillable deodorant stick product comprising a deodorant stick composition mounted on an axially immobile retaining member which is reversibly connectable to a holder, wherein the deodorant stick composition is glycol-based and structured by a sodium soap in which the content of free fatty acid is minimised; and a process of manufacture for such a deodorant stick product.