Compact Powder Case with Piston and Drawer Dispensing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact powder cases are prone to accidental opening, leading to powder spillage and contamination of the surrounding area due to their simple structure and lack of mechanisms to control powder dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A compact powder case design featuring a storage part with a restrictor slit and a movable piston that closes and opens a supply slit, coupled with a drawer system and spring mechanism, allowing controlled dispensing of a fixed amount of powder, reducing the risk of spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple structure with hinge-coupled upper and lower cases is used, then the compact powder case is convenient to use due to small size, but the powder spills out and creates mess if the case opens unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is pulled out in advance before opening the case, which triggers the piston to move and open the supply slit. This preliminary action ensures that when the case is subsequently opened, the powder has already been dispensed into the drawer, preventing spillage. The system prepares the powder dispensing state before the case opening action occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drawer movement and the powder supply. When the drawer is pulled out, the piston moves along with it and opens the supply slit, controlling the powder flow. This intermediary component prevents direct exposure of powder to the environment and ensures controlled dispensing only when the drawer is in the extended position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a restrictor slit and piston mechanism are added to control powder dispensing, then powder spillage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is integrated into the drawer assembly, combining the powder supply control function with the existing drawer structure. The restrictor slit is formed directly in the inner wall member of the storage part, merging the containment structure with the flow control function. This integration reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining controlled powder dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer serves multiple functions: it acts as the access interface for the user, the container for receiving dispensed powder, and the trigger mechanism for opening the supply slit through its movement. The piston simultaneously moves with the drawer and controls the supply slit opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for powder control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the piston is positioned to close the supply slit during storage, then powder containment is improved, but the ease of accessing powder deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a closed position (when the drawer is retracted) to control powder containment, and an open position (when the drawer is extended) to enable powder access. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt its state based on the drawer position, providing both secure containment during storage and easy access during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically controls the supply slit opening based on the drawer position. When the user pulls out the drawer, the piston moves and opens the supply slit, automatically dispensing powder without requiring additional user actions. When the drawer is pushed back, the piston returns to close the slit, automatically sealing the powder. This self-service mechanism simplifies user interaction while maintaining both containment and accessibility.
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
Significantly reduces the likelihood of powder contamination by ensuring powder is only dispensed in controlled, fixed amounts, enhancing user convenience and minimizing mess.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be coupled to the piston and the storage part to push the piston towards the first point
Data Source
AI summary
A compact powder case is disclosed. The compact powder case includes: a storage part that has an inner wall member and a floor member, with a restrictor slit formed in the inner wall member and a supply slit formed in the floor member; a piston that has a first coupler part formed at a position corresponding to the restrictor slit, is movable within the storage space, and is configured to close the supply slit when moved to a first point and open the supply slit when moved to a second point; and a drawer that has a guide member arranged on an outer side of the inner wall member and a tray member arranged on a lower side of the floor member, where the drawer has a second coupler part formed at a position corresponding to the restrictor slit, and the drawer is movable relative to the storage part.