Distribution Head Pad with Short Passage for Thermal Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic and perfumery dispensers with heat-carrying dispenser heads often have aesthetic issues due to separate dispensing orifices and can heat up the application pad, while also facing challenges in surface treatment and coating of the dispensing passage.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing and application head with a metal application pad coated in a barrier layer, featuring a short and shallow distribution passage that allows the fluid product to pass directly through, minimizing thermal influence and enabling easy coating, combined with a plastic connecting piece for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the dispensed fluid product comes into contact with the entire frustoconical passage in the pad, then the fluid product cools on contact with the pad and provides a massaging effect, but the fluid product heats up the pad due to extended contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepad temperatureVSAvoidthermal influence on pad
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing orifice is extracted as a separate component (plastic insert) from the metal pad, creating a distinct dispensing channel that is isolated from the thermal mass of the pad. This allows the fluid to be dispensed without extensive contact with the heat-conductive pad material, preventing pad heating while maintaining the cooling sensation on skin application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the metal pad body for structural support and aesthetic appearance, the separate plastic insert for fluid delivery, and the dispensing orifice for controlled discharge. This segmentation prevents thermal contamination of the pad while preserving its cosmetic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the pad comprises a separate plastic insert forming the dispensing orifice, then the dispensed fluid product does not heat the pad bore, but the orifice is visibly formed by a separate part which is not really aesthetic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal influence on padVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A plastic insert acts as an intermediary element between the fluid delivery system and the metal pad. This insert is visually integrated into the pad design, concealing the functional dispensing mechanism while maintaining aesthetic continuity. The insert serves as a mediator that preserves both the thermal isolation benefit and the visual appeal of the pad.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the distribution passage is long and thin in the pad, then the fluid product can be delivered through the pad, but it is extremely difficult to guarantee perfect application of the coating in the passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution passage lengthVSAvoidcoating application quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic insert forming the dispensing channel is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and coated. Rather than attempting to coat a long, thin passage within the metal pad, the solution uses a disposable or replaceable insert that can be pre-coated or treated with inert material during manufacturing, ensuring perfect coating application without complex processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Temperature

If the pad is made of metal material to confer a feeling of cold on contact with the skin, then the pad provides thermal comfort, but the metal pad is not inert for certain fluid products requiring inert protective coating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal sensationVSAvoidreactivity with fluid product
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing system uses a composite construction combining metal pad material (for thermal sensation) with a separate plastic insert material (for chemical inertness). The plastic insert serves as a barrier between the reactive metal and the fluid product, creating a composite system that simultaneously provides both thermal comfort and chemical compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a visually appealing and thermally efficient dispensing experience, keeping the pad 'cold' and allowing for effective inert coating of the passage, ensuring precise application and user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

covered with a barrier protective layer of inert material, such as nickel and/or chrome, at least at the level of the distribution passage and of the application surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBarrier protection: Coatings

Implementation Method 2

the pad being essentially made of a heat-transfer material to impart a sensation of cold on contact with the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2838399B1Distribution and application head
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 APTAR FRANCE SAS
  • EP2838399B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2838399B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a distribution and application head (3) to be associated with a distribution unit, such as a pump, a valve or a flexible tube, said head comprising an application pad (5) defining an outer application surface (53) that is to come into contact with the skin, the pad (5) being produced essentially from a heat-transfer material in order to confer a sensation of cold on contact with the skin. The pad (5) defines a thickness from an inner surface (56) to the outer surface (53) and includes a distribution through-passage (50) allowing communication between the inner surface (56) and the outer surface (53). The invention is characterized in that the application pad (5) has a reduced thickness in the area of the distribution passage (50).