Dual Content Packaging Device With Locking Pressure System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-content packaging and dispensing devices for cosmetic products suffer from inefficient mixing of two distinct compositions due to low pressure and a high number of parts, resulting in a less homogeneous final product.

Innovation Solution

A packaging and dispensing device with a pressure supply system that includes locking elements to maintain increased pressure in the inner compartment, a compressible chamber defined by a membrane, and a stopper that isolates or allows fluid communication between the inner compartment and the compressible chamber, ensuring efficient mixing of the two fluid compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional pressure supply device without locking elements is used, then the device has fewer parts and simpler structure, but the pressure in the inner compartment is not maintained and mixing efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are pre-configured in the pressure supply device to automatically engage and maintain the pressure member in its pressurized position. This preliminary arrangement ensures that once pressure is applied to the inner compartment, it is automatically maintained without requiring continuous user intervention or complex control systems, thereby improving mixing efficiency while adding only minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed to self-engage and self-maintain the pressurized state of the inner compartment. The pressure member automatically locks into position upon compression, and the locking elements maintain this state without external control. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable pressure maintenance for efficient mixing while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If low pressure is applied to the inner compartment, then the device structure is simpler, but the mixing of the two products is not optimum and the final product is less homogeneous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of final productVSAvoidpressure in inner compartment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure supply device is designed to change the pressure parameter from low to high by engaging the pressure member, which compresses the inner compartment contents. The locking elements maintain this high pressure state to ensure thorough mixing and homogeneous final product, while the device structure remains relatively simple through the use of straightforward mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the plug is not coupled to the container, then the plug can be easily removed, but the plug may be ejected from the dispensing end by overpressure in the inner compartment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplug removalVSAvoidplug retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is coupled to the container with a dynamic connection that allows the plug to be easily removed when needed while automatically retaining it during pressurization. The coupling mechanism responds to pressure changes by engaging or disengaging based on the operational state, providing both ease of operation and reliability automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling between the plug and container acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the opposing requirements of easy removal and secure retention. This coupling allows the plug to be easily removed by user action while simultaneously preventing ejection by overpressure through its designed engagement features, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device achieves more efficient mixing of the two products, resulting in a more homogeneous final product with a simplified manufacturing and usage process, and a reduced number of parts compared to existing solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure member able to move relative to the support, between a first and a second configurations, so as to lessen a volume of the compressible chamber, thereby increasing a pressure in the inner compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase through volume reduction: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the pressure supply device comprises locking elements for maintaining the first pressure member in the second configuration with an increased pressure in the inner compartment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure maintenance through mechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a stopper movable between a first airtight position and a second position, closer to the dispensing end of the pipette, wherein the stopper in the first airtight position isolates the inner compartment from the compressible chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid isolation and communication control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3407757B1Packaging and dispensing device for dual content
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 LOREAL SA
  • EP3407757B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP3407757B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A packaging and dispensing device (10) comprising : a container (14) for storing a first fluid composition (38); a pipette (54) removably inserted in the container; a plug (110) removably assembled to a dispensing end (66) of the pipette, said assembled pipette and plug defining an inner compartment for temporarily storing a second fluid composition (114) isolated from the first fluid composition; and a pressure supply device comprising : a support (86) assembled to a second end of the pipette; a compressible chamber (93) in fluid communication with the second end of the pipette; and a pressure member (82) able to move relative to the support, between a first and a second configurations. The device comprises locking elements (92, 106) for maintaining the pressure member in the second configuration with an increased pressure in the inner compartment.