Nail Polish Applicator Carrier Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nail polish storage and application devices are difficult to use when low, as the applicator touches the bottom, leading to deformation and waste, and are costly and hard to produce due to complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A storage and application device with a sleeve-shaped inner part and a compression spring that allows the applicator carrier to move, maintaining the applicator's distance from the bottom and simplifying production by reducing the complexity of the mold design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the applicator carrier is fixed relative to the cap, then the structure is simple, but the applicator cannot be inserted deeper into the storage compartment when the cap is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator carrier is made movable relative to the cap through a compression spring mechanism. When the cap is closed, the spring compresses and pushes the applicator carrier deeper into the storage compartment. This dynamic design allows the immersion depth to change based on the cap position, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and variable immersion depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator carrier is nested within the cap structure, with the compression spring positioned between them. The inner part of the cap contains the spring mechanism, and the applicator carrier moves within this nested arrangement. This nesting allows the applicator to be pushed deeper when the cap is closed without requiring external mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is made unscrewable for easy operation, then ease of operation improves, but the applicator may touch the bottom of the storage compartment causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator carrier is designed to move dynamically based on cap position. When the cap is closed (even when unscrewable for easy operation), the compression spring automatically pushes the applicator carrier deeper, ensuring the applicator does not touch the bottom. This dynamic adjustment maintains applicator integrity while allowing easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring mechanism automatically adjusts the applicator position based on cap closure without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates to prevent the applicator from touching the bottom, maintaining reliability while allowing ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the cap is kept closed to maintain seal, then storage reliability improves, but the applicator cannot be repositioned when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator carrier's position is dynamically linked to cap closure. When the cap is closed for storage, the spring automatically repositions the applicator deeper into the compartment. When the cap is opened for use, the spring expands and allows the applicator to be accessed. This dynamic coupling maintains both seal reliability and repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring is pre-loaded to automatically push the applicator carrier into the correct position when the cap is closed. This preliminary action ensures the applicator is properly positioned before storage, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and maintaining both seal integrity and adaptability.
4Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to maintain applicator distance, then applicator protection improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and assembled. Rather than using complex mechanical mechanisms, the invention employs a simple elastic element that provides reliable applicator protection at low cost. The spring is a standard component that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a simple compression spring system. The elastic force of the spring automatically maintains the applicator at the correct distance from the bottom, eliminating the need for intricate mechanical guides, locks, or adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
Enables easier one-handed operation, reduces waste by allowing deeper immersion of the applicator, and lowers production costs through simpler mold design and plastic injection molding processes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element in the form of a compression spring (31) acting between the closure cap (21) and the applicator carrier (22)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A storage and application device for liquid, in particular nail polish, is proposed, comprising a reservoir (13) for liquid having an interior space (12), a reservoir neck (15) equipped with a reservoir opening (16), an end face (19) and a shell surface equipped with an external thread (18), and a closure and application unit (20) comprising a closure cap (21) having an internal thread (59) and screwable onto the external thread (18), and an applicator carrier (22) coupled to the closure cap (21) with screw-in limiting means (28) for contact with an end face (19), wherein the applicator carrier (22) has an applicator (23) for applying the liquid at an end facing away from the closure cap (21), and wherein an elastic element acting between the closure cap (21) and the applicator carrier (22) is provided, such thatthat the closure cap (21), when the screw-on limiting means (28) are applied to the end face (19), is guided axially from a working position (39) to a screwed-on closed position (40) by means of guide means (41) under tension of the elastic element relative to the applicator carrier (22), wherein the guide means (41) have a stop (42) formed on the applicator carrier (22) and a counter-stop (43) formed on the closure cap (21), which together define the working position (39) and the closed position (40) by striking each other, wherein the closure cap (21) is formed in multiple parts, with a cap-shaped outer part (44) and a sleeve-shaped inner part (45) fixed coaxially in the outer part (44), on the inner surface (46) of which the counter-stop (43) is formed.