Hinged Cosmetic Applicator Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The industrial manufacture of hinged cosmetic applicators is complicated by the uncertainty of their inclination during assembly and packaging, leading to space inefficiencies and difficulties in automated handling, as they tend to be mixed together in different positions on conveyor lines.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic product packaging and application assembly that includes a removable locking element to keep the application and gripping members aligned, using a pivot connection and frangible portions to maintain the applicators in a straight configuration during manufacturing and storage, allowing for easy handling and packaging without the need for conveying platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hinged applicators are manufactured with variable inclination during assembly, then ergonomic flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is pre-configured in a straight, aligned position during manufacturing using the locking element. This preliminary alignment action simplifies handling and assembly on the production line, while the hinged structure and locking mechanism are prepared in advance to enable variable inclination when needed by the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates a dynamic hinged connection between the application member and gripping member, allowing the structure to transition from a fixed straight position during manufacturing to a variable inclined position during use. The locking element provides a stable initial state that can be dynamically changed by the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hinged applicators are allowed to incline during conveying, then ergonomic flexibility is improved, but space requirements and handling efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is used to pre-establish a straight, compact configuration of the applicator during conveying and storage. This preliminary positioning minimizes the volume occupied by the applicator on conveyor lines and in packaging, while the capability for variable inclination remains preserved for the end user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinged applicators are allowed to incline during assembly, then ergonomic flexibility is improved, but automated handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element provides a preliminary fixed, straight configuration that simplifies automated gripping and handling during assembly. The applicator presents a consistent, predictable geometry to automated systems, while the hinged structure with locking mechanism is prepared to enable user-adjustable inclination after assembly.
4Productivity
If locking elements are used to maintain alignment, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and integrated. It serves its purpose of maintaining alignment during manufacturing and can be discarded or left in place, while the core hinged mechanism remains simple and reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple element that can be independently manufactured and integrated into the applicator. This separation allows the locking mechanism to be optimized for simplicity and manufacturing efficiency without complicating the overall hinged structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (14), of the type comprising: - an application member (30) extending along a first longitudinal axis (34), a first end of said application member comprising an application element (42); and - a gripping member (32) extending along a second longitudinal axis (36) and connected by a hinge (60, 76) to a second end (46) of the application member. The applicator further comprises a removable locking element (33) forming a first stop between the gripping member and the application member, so as to lock the hinge and keep the first and second longitudinal axes substantially parallel.