Cosmetic Pipette Ball Insert with Radial Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cosmetic product dispensing pipettes experience intermittent or blocked flow due to the ball moving upward during suction and blocking the duct, and during application, the flow from the duct to the skin is obstructed by the ball at the outlet, leading to unsatisfactory continuous dispensing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating longitudinal channels radially withdrawn away from the ball in the receiving insert to ensure continuous fluid communication between the tubular duct and the outside of the pipette, allowing the cosmetic product to flow around the ball, even when it moves, and featuring a converging channel shape to maintain product flow and secure the ball effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ball is used to dispense cosmetic product by rotation, then the cosmetic product can be applied to the skin, but the ball blocks the duct during suction and prevents continuous flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic product dispensingVSAvoidcontinuous flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving insert is segmented into multiple functional zones: an upper region with longitudinal channels for product flow and a lower region for ball support. This segmentation allows the ball to be supported in the lower region while product flows through the channels in the upper region, preventing blockage and ensuring continuous flow during both suction and dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ball moves upward during suction, then the ball follows the product flow, but the upward movement blocks the duct and prevents product passage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball movement freedomVSAvoidproduct flow continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal channels in the upper region act as intermediaries that guide the cosmetic product around the ball. These channels provide an alternative pathway for the product to flow from the reservoir to the duct, bypassing the ball entirely. This allows the ball to move freely upward during suction while the product continues to flow continuously through the channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the ball is positioned at the outlet of the duct, then the ball can rotate to dispense product, but the flow from the duct to the skin is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball rotation for dispensingVSAvoiddispensing rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a radial dimension to the product flow path by creating longitudinal channels that extend from the upper region of the receiving insert radially away from the ball. This dimensional change allows the product to flow in a radial direction around the ball rather than being blocked by it, enabling continuous dispensing while the ball rotates for application to the skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Ensures continuous flow of the cosmetic product between the reservoir and the pipette during suction and application, preventing blockages and ensuring uniform distribution, while minimizing leakage and maintaining structural integrity with a reduced number of components.

Implementation Method 1

the ball being designed to come into contact with the skin of a user and to dispense the cosmetic product by rotation of the ball

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow around rotating object:

Implementation Method 2

the receiving insert defines at least one longitudinal channel radially withdrawn away from the ball into the inner surface so as to allow the flow of the cosmetic product between the lower end of the dispensing pipette and the tubular duct around the ball

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow through channels:

Implementation Method 3

When the pipette suctions the cosmetic product from the reservoir, the ball tends to follow the flow of the cosmetic product and moves upward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4003092B1Cosmetic product dispensing pipette comprising a ball receiving insert, and associated device and method
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 LOREAL SA
  • EP4003092B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4003092B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4003092B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The dispensing pipette comprises: - a tubular dispensing duct for dispensing a cosmetic product defining a longitudinal passage, the tubular duct having an upper end and a lower end (54), the lower end (54) defining a receiving insert (58) for receiving a ball (34), and - a ball (34) rotatably mounted in the receiving insert (58), the ball (34) being designed to dispense the cosmetic product by rotation of the ball (34). The receiving insert (58) has an inner surface (60) facing the ball (34), the receiving insert (58) defining at least one longitudinal channel (70) radially withdrawn away from the ball (34) into the inner surface (60) so as to allow the flow of the cosmetic product around the ball (34).