Perforated Mask Applicator for Controlled Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with attached applicators for coatings and cosmetics face difficulties in controlling the amount of material transferred, leading to uneven application due to excess or insufficient material, and require a compact design that prevents material accumulation when the cap is closed.
Innovation Solution
A container with a threaded cap and a sponge applicator affixed to the cap, featuring a perforated mask in the neck that allows controlled material transfer by shaking, and a rotating holder for telescopic motion, ensuring the sponge is in close contact with the mask for efficient material distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the applicator is deeply inserted into the container when the cap is closed, then the overall package becomes compact, but an excess of material accumulates on the applicator when it is withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is segmented into two functional zones: a lower storage zone for bulk material and an upper dispensing zone with the perforated mask. This segmentation allows the applicator to access only the controlled material in the dispensing zone through the mask's limited openings, preventing excess material accumulation while maintaining compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated mask acts as an intermediary element between the material storage and the applicator. It controls and regulates the transfer of material to the applicator through its perforations, ensuring that only the required amount of material is transferred while allowing the applicator to remain in close proximity to the material source.
2Quantity of substance
If the applicator is dipped or immersed in the coating or powder, then material is transferred to the applicator, but it becomes difficult for the user to control the amount of material carried on the sponge
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated mask serves as a mechanical intermediary that automatically controls material transfer. When the applicator is positioned against the mask and the container is shaken, material passes through the fixed perforations onto the applicator surface. This eliminates the need for user judgment about dipping depth or duration, providing precise control over material amount.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes mechanical vibration through shaking the container to transfer material through the perforated mask onto the applicator. This vibration-based transfer mechanism provides consistent and controlled material distribution across the applicator surface, replacing manual dipping techniques that are difficult to control.
3Ease of operation
If excess material is on the applicator, then the applicator can be used for application, but it becomes difficult for the user to apply a smooth and even coating
Solution Approach 1:
The perforated mask acts as a precision control intermediary that limits material transfer to exactly what is needed. The fixed geometry of the perforations ensures uniform material distribution across the applicator, preventing both excess and insufficient material loading, thereby enabling smooth and even coating application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of material transfer from uncontrolled (dipping depth, duration) to controlled (fixed perforation size, number, and arrangement). This parameter control ensures that the applicator receives a precise, repeatable amount of material optimized for smooth and even application.
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 precise control over the amount of material on the applicator, ensuring smooth and even application while maintaining a compact design by preventing excessive material accumulation when the cap is closed.
Implementation Method 1
The method of use comprises shaking the container so that a portion of the contained powder or liquid passes through the perforations in the mask
Implementation Method 2
Where the contents are a powdered material, the powder is adsorbed on the surface of the sponge, and may be retained in any surface pores of the sponge
Implementation Method 3
To the extent that the sponge possesses an open-celled structure, liquid materials may enter more deeply into the sponge
Data Source
AI summary
A container for inks, paints, cosmetics, and the like, having a sponge applicator affixed within the container's threaded cap, is provided. When the cap is attached to the container, the sponge fits closely within a perforated mask located in the neck of the container. The mask controls the amount of material that can be transferred to and carried by the applicator when it is removed from the container. In preferred embodiments, the sponge applicator is automatically extended from the cap as the cap is removed from the container, and is automatically retracted into the cap as the cap is screwed onto the container.