Porous Cosmetic Applicator Refill System with Deformable Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for formulations like cosmetics and skincare products require disassembly or modification to refill, which is inconvenient and can lead to leakage or dribbling during the process.
Innovation Solution
A refill system comprising a porous applicator, a porous reservoir, and a refill component with a deformable arm and pintle that deforms to form a cavity in the reservoir, allowing for pressure-driven filling without disassembly, ensuring efficient and leak-proof refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing packaging systems are refilled using conventional methods, then refilling can be achieved, but disassembly or modification is required which is inconvenient and can lead to leakage or dribbling
Solution Approach 1:
The refill component is nested within the existing packaging structure, with the deformable arm and cavity forming system integrated inside the reservoir. The refill component surrounds the applicator and uses the existing packaging boundaries, allowing refilling without disassembly while maintaining a compact integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the refill container and the reservoir cavity. It translates external pressure into cavity formation and controls the refilling process, enabling convenient refilling without direct manipulation of the packaging structure
2Productivity
If pressure is applied to force formulation into packaging, then filling speed increases, but leakage or dribbling may occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable arm provides dynamic control during the refilling process. It deforms under pressure to form the cavity and then returns to its original shape to seal the reservoir, automatically adapting to the pressure applied and maintaining reliability throughout the variable pressure refilling process
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the deformable arm from deformed to undeformed, which controls the opening and closing of the reservoir cavity. This parameter change enables controlled filling at high speed while preventing leakage through the automatic sealing action when pressure is released
3Ease of operation
If the packaging is disassembled for refilling, then access to the reservoir is improved, but product integrity may be compromised and the process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The refill component is segmented into distinct functional elements (insert, deformable arm, pintle) that work together within the intact packaging. This segmentation allows the refill mechanism to access and fill the reservoir through the existing structure without compromising the overall packaging integrity or requiring disassembly
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 convenient and leak-proof refilling of packaging without disassembly, ensuring the formulation flows seamlessly from the refill container into the porous reservoir, maintaining product integrity and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable arm connecting the insert with the pintle, where the deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state
Implementation Method 2
a porous applicator, a porous reservoir in contact with the porous applicator at an interface
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging, including a porous applicator, a porous reservoir in contact with the porous applicator at an interface, and a refill component. The refill component includes an insert configured to surround the porous applicator, a pintle that extends from the interface between the porous applicator and the porous reservoir through the porous applicator and towards an application surface of the porous applicator, and a deformable arm connecting the insert with the pintle, where the deformable arm is configured to deform from a first state to a second state.