Disposable container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable containers for cosmetic preparations lack stability on horizontal surfaces, are prone to contamination, and do not allow users to apply the preparation conveniently with both hands, while also being unsuitable for travel and durable use.
Innovation Solution
A disposable container with outwardly extended base tabs for stability and an adhesive layer on the bottom, covered by a removable protective sticker, along with a plastic cap to prevent spillage and contamination, where the same structure facilitates cap removal and sticker peeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the container is made without stability-enhancing features, then it is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, but it cannot remain stable on horizontal surfaces during application
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the container is segmented into a flat adhesive portion and radially extending tab portions. This segmentation allows the base to fulfill multiple functions: the flat portion provides adhesive contact with the surface for stability, while the extending tabs provide structural reinforcement and leverage points for cap removal without requiring complex external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially extending tabs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they increase the moment of inertia for stability, provide leverage points for cap removal, and extend the protective sticker for easy grasping. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by avoiding additional complex structures while achieving enhanced stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the container is made disposable and inexpensive, then it is economical for single use, but it may lack durability and travel safety features
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sticker is pre-applied to the adhesive layer during manufacturing. This preliminary action protects the adhesive from contamination during transport and handling, ensuring the container remains travel-safe and reliable without requiring complex protective casings or additional durable components that would increase manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sticker is implemented as a thin film that conforms to the base surface. This thin-film approach provides adequate protection for travel and handling while maintaining the disposable nature of the container, avoiding the need for thick, durable protective shells that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If the adhesive layer is exposed during transport, then application is simpler, but the adhesive may be contaminated or lose effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sticker is applied to the adhesive layer during manufacturing before the container is put into service. This preliminary protective action prevents contamination of the adhesive during transport and storage, while the sticker is designed to be easily removed by the user just before application, maintaining simplicity of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective sticker acts as an intermediary layer between the adhesive and the external environment during transport. It protects the adhesive from harmful factors while allowing easy access when needed, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
4Reliability
If the cap is tightly fitted to prevent spillage, then containment is improved, but the cap becomes difficult to remove for application
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is segmented with radially extending tabs that extend beyond the cap's sealing surface. This segmentation creates leverage points that allow users to easily pry off the tightly fitted cap using the tabs as fulcrums, resolving the contradiction between tight sealing and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs extend the interaction interface from the vertical cap-sealing dimension to the radial horizontal dimension. Users can apply leverage force radially outward from the center through the tabs, making cap removal easier without compromising the vertical sealing effectiveness.
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 container provides enhanced stability, easy application, and travel safety, while being economical for single-use, ensuring the cosmetic preparation remains uncontaminated and fresh.
Implementation Method 1
A layer of adhesive is situated on the exterior bottom surface of the body
Implementation Method 2
A removable protective layer is situated over the adhesive layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A disposable container for a cosmetics preparation or the like has a generally cylindrical body defining a reservoir for retaining the contents of the container, a base and a cap. The base has a bottom surface. At least one member extends radially from the bottom surface of the base. A layer of adhesive is provided on the bottom surface of the base, but not on the under surface of the radially extending member. A removable protective layer is situated over the adhesive layer. The protective layer has a radially extending portion aligned with the member radially extending from the base. The radially extending base member increases the stability of the container, facilitates removal of the cap from the container body and provides for easy removal of the protective sticker from the adhesive layer.