Product Dispenser Abutment Surface Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing product dispensers, such as those for cosmetics, lack satisfactory control over the position of use over time, leading to inconsistent application and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A product dispenser design where the position of use is defined by a fixed abutment surface, utilizing an elastic actuating member to maintain the movable member's position, reducing assembly constraints and allowing for optimized mirror visibility, with a guide element ensuring smooth movement and locking mechanisms for secure placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the position of use is defined by a fixed abutment surface, then the control of the position of use is improved over time, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of position of useVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the movable member itself and transfers it to a fixed abutment surface on the housing. This separation allows the abutment surface to define the position of use independently, ensuring consistent control over time without requiring complex mechanisms in the movable member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The abutment surface is pre-configured in the housing at the desired position of use. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, as the position is predetermined and maintained by the fixed abutment surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the actuating member is simplified to perform only the restoration function, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of positioning may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the positioning function from the actuating member, transferring it to the fixed abutment surface. This allows the actuating member to be simplified to only perform the restoration function, improving ease of manufacture while the abutment surface ensures positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The abutment surface acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the movable member, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring the actuating member to have complex positioning capabilities. This intermediary structure maintains reliability while simplifying the actuating member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the abutment surface is arranged substantially transversely, then the guidance and regular movement of the movable member is improved, but the area of the abutment surface decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance of movable memberVSAvoidarea of abutment surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a longitudinal abutment surface arrangement to a transverse arrangement, changing the dimensional orientation. This transverse configuration improves guidance and regular movement of the movable member along the central axis, while the reduced area is compensated by the strategic positioning perpendicular to the flow of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 dispenser provides consistent control over the position of use, simplifies assembly, and enhances visibility, making it suitable for applying cosmetics like lipstick or concealer products while ensuring reliable operation throughout its service life.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating member, for example in the form of an elastic member, can perform the sole function of restoring the member mobile in the position of use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2413734B1Product dispenser
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR SA
  • EP2413734B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2413734B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2413734B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dispenser (1) including: an applicator device (2, 5, 15, 16); a case (20) comprising a cavity (27) for receiving at least a portion of the applicator device (5, 15, 16); a mobile member (35) provided with a mirror (46), the mobile member (35) being movably mounted inside the cavity (27) between a retracted position and a use position; an actuating member (50) for urging the mobile member (35) toward the use position, wherein the cavity (27) comprises an abutment surface for engaging with the mobile member (35) in order to define the use position of said mobile member (35).