Reusable Lip Balm Container with Rotatable Dial and Spring Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lip balm containers generate waste and do not provide a convenient, protective, and customizable solution for applying and storing lip balm.
Innovation Solution
A reusable lip balm container with a rotatable collar and spring latch system that allows for easy extension and retraction of the lip balm tube, featuring a decorative exterior and interchangeable components, enabling users to refill and change flavors while reducing plastic waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional disposable lip balm container is used, then the lip balm can be applied easily, but waste is generated and the container cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The lip balm system is divided into two separable components: a reusable container housing and a disposable lip balm tube. The tube can be removed and replaced independently, allowing users to discard only the depleted lip balm tube while retaining the functional container, thereby reducing waste while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of the consumable lip balm tube while recovering and reusing the durable container housing. The spring latch mechanism facilitates easy tube removal and replacement, allowing users to recover the container for continued use with new tubes, thus addressing the waste issue without compromising convenience
2Loss of substance
If a reusable lip balm container is used, then waste is reduced, but the complexity of the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring latch mechanism automatically engages and disengages the lip balm tube without requiring additional tools or complex operations. The user simply needs to press the release button and pull the tube, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of tube retention and replacement, thereby minimizing the perceived complexity for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The spring latch mechanism is extracted as a separate, modular component within the container housing. This modular approach allows the complex retention mechanism to be independently designed and maintained, while the overall container structure remains simple and straightforward for the user to operate
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lip balm is protected within a closed container, then the lip balm is protected from elements, but access to the lip balm is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spring latch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage with the lip balm tube upon insertion and to facilitate easy release when the release button is pressed. This preliminary setup ensures that the lip balm is immediately protected upon insertion while maintaining quick access capability, eliminating the need for additional steps to open or close the container
Solution Approach 2:
The spring latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the container housing and the lip balm tube, providing automatic protection when the tube is inserted while allowing easy access through the release button. This intermediary component mediates between the need for protection and the need for accessibility, resolving the contradiction without requiring the user to manually open or close the container
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 sustainable, protective, and customizable means of applying lip balm, reducing waste and allowing for easy refilling and flavor changes, while maintaining ease of use and style.
Implementation Method 1
The lip balm tube is retained in position by a spring latch disposed within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lip balm container, including a housing having a dial to rotate a gear to extend and retract a gear strip. The gear strip is in communication with a lip balm tube at least partially retained within the interior of the housing, wherein rotating the dial permits the extension and retraction of a lip balm disposed within the lip balm tube. A lid pivotally engaged, via a hinge, with the housing to enclose the lip balm within the housing.