Multi-compartment Container with Segmented Buttons and Integrated Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-compartment containers are cumbersome due to a single means of opening, risking spillage and exposure of unused products, which can reduce their shelf life and usability, and often hinder access to a mirror when needed.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment container design with separate buttons for each compartment, allowing independent or simultaneous opening, and incorporating mirrors on the inner surfaces of the lids for convenient application, reducing cross-contamination and spillage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single means of opening is used for both compartments, then the container structure is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates and spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single opening mechanism is segmented into two separate buttons, each controlling access to a specific compartment. This allows independent operation of each compartment without affecting the other, eliminating the spillage risk associated with exposing both compartments simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If both compartments are exposed simultaneously, then both products are accessible, but the shelf life and usability of unused products deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two independently accessible compartments with separate buttons. Users can open only the compartment containing the product they need, keeping the other compartment sealed and protected from contamination and degradation, thereby preserving shelf life while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror function is extracted from one compartment and replicated in both compartments. Each compartment has its own mirror on the inner surface of the lid, allowing users to access mirrors in either compartment without opening that compartment, thus protecting products while providing necessary application functionality.
3Device complexity
If a single mirror is placed in one compartment, then the container structure is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates when accessing products in the other compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The single mirror is segmented into two separate mirrors, with each compartment containing its own mirror on the inner surface of the lid. This allows users to access mirrors in either compartment independently, providing ease of operation when applying products in either compartment without having to open the other compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
Both compartments are equipped with mirrors, making the mirror function universal across both compartments. This multi-functionality ensures that regardless of which compartment a user needs to access, a mirror is available for application purposes, eliminating the limitation of having to open an unnecessary compartment to access a mirror.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a multi-compartment container with a number of separate compartments, each of which is opened by depressing a separate button. The compartments may be used to hold any number of things, including, solids, gels, pastes, cosmetics or any other non liquid substance. In the present disclosure, the compartments may be opened independently or simultaneously. In addition to containing the desired substance, each compartment also comprises a reflective surface or mirror.