Filling Assembly for Dual-Content Cosmetic Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual-content packaging and dispensing devices for cosmetic products are complex and difficult to automate, requiring multiple steps and parts for filling, making simultaneous filling of two fluid compositions challenging.

Innovation Solution

A filling assembly that holds the pipette in a predetermined position within the container, allowing for simultaneous filling of both fluid compositions through an aperture, with a flange and pressure supply device configuration to simplify the manufacturing and filling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate parts and steps are used to fill the container and pipette assembly, then the filling process can be carried out, but the manufacturing complexity and number of steps increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of parts and steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the container and pipette assembly into a single integrated filling unit. The holder assembly simultaneously holds both the container and pipette in predetermined positions, allowing both components to be filled at the same time through a single filling operation, thereby reducing the number of separate filling steps and parts required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder assembly pre-positions the pipette within the container in a predetermined position before filling occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that the aperture is correctly aligned and that the filling process can proceed automatically without requiring complex alignment steps during the actual filling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If sequential filling of first product in container and second product in pipette is performed, then filling can be completed, but the filling time and production efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling speedVSAvoidfilling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly enables simultaneous filling of both the container and pipette through a single filling operation. By holding both components in predetermined positions with proper alignment of the aperture, the system allows filling to occur in parallel rather than sequentially, thereby doubling the filling throughput and eliminating the time loss associated with separate filling steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If the pipette is held in a predetermined position with an aperture maintained during filling, then simultaneous filling is enabled, but the positioning and alignment requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated filling capabilityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly pre-positions the pipette within the container in a predetermined position before filling occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that the aperture is correctly aligned and that the filling process can proceed automatically without requiring complex alignment steps during the actual filling operation, thereby enabling automation while managing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The holder assembly serves multiple functions: it holds the pipette, maintains the aperture alignment, and positions both components for simultaneous filling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate positioning mechanisms and simplifies the overall system while enabling automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3407755B1Filling assembly for the manufacturing of a packaging and dispensing device for dual content
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 LOREAL SA
  • EP3407755B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP3407755B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A filling assembly (12), comprising: a container (14) for storing a first fluid composition (38), a pipette (54) removably inserted in the container through an opening (22); and a plug (110) removably to a dispensing end (66) of the pipette, defining an inner compartment (112) isolated from the first fluid composition. The filling assembly comprises a holding element (56) configured to hold the pipette inside the container in a predetermined position while maintaining at least one aperture (70) within the opening, said aperture allowing for fluid communication between the outside and the inside of the container, so that the container and the pipette may be filled simultaneously with the first and second fluid compositions (38, 114) respectively, before assembling the second open end (62) of the pipette with a pressure supply device.