Propelling Cosmetic Pencil With Threaded Conversion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing propelling cosmetic pencils are complex to assemble, requiring expensive machines and skilled labor, and they do not effectively conserve the cosmetic lead throughout its use, leading to premature disposal and potential damage to the lead tip.

Innovation Solution

A container with a simple structure for propelling cosmetic pencils featuring a tubular holding body with axial ribs and a lead-holder with arched walls and a threaded body, allowing for easy assembly through linear movements and snap-fit couplings, along with a driving element that enables axial movement of the lead and prevents rotation, ensuring the lead is protected and can be fully utilized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional propelling pencil structures are used, then the lead can be propelled, but the assembly complexity increases and requires expensive machines and skilled labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propelling pencil is divided into distinct modular components: a holder body, a lead holder, and a propulsion mechanism. Each component can be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled together, reducing the need for complex single-piece manufacturing while maintaining functional integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lead holder is positioned inside the holder body, and the propulsion mechanism is nested within the lead holder structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be contained within each other, simplifying the overall external structure while maintaining internal complexity only where necessary for function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the lead is exposed during use, then it can be applied, but the lead tip can be damaged or soiled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication accessibilityVSAvoidlead tip damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lead holder is designed to move dynamically along the longitudinal axis, allowing the lead to be extended to the opening for application and then retracted for protection. This dynamic positioning enables the lead to transition between exposed and protected states, providing both accessibility and protection as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is designed to automatically position itself to cover the opening when the lead is retracted, providing preliminary protection before the lead is fully retracted. This ensures the lead tip is always protected when not in use, preventing damage or soiling before the next application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the pencil structure is simplified, then assembly is easier, but the lead protection and propulsion function may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidlead protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion mechanism is designed to automatically propel the lead forward when the cap is removed and the pencil is used, without requiring additional manual intervention. The mechanical connection between the cap removal action and lead propulsion ensures reliable lead extension while maintaining simple assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The protection function and propulsion function are merged into a single integrated mechanism: the same cap that protects the lead when closed also serves as the propulsion mechanism when removed. This combination eliminates the need for separate protection and propulsion systems, maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall structure and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables quick and cost-effective assembly, reduces assembly time and labor costs, ensures the lead is protected and fully used, and prevents damage during handling and transport, maintaining cosmetic quality and extending the pencil's usability.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded body (12) extending from said bottom along said longitudinal axis and having a threading adapted to engage a threaded opening (50) formed in said driving element (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

On an inner surface of the holding body (4) there are ribs (5) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X... said ribs (5) extending as far as the first opening (4a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction and mechanical interference: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2191740B1Container for propelling cosmetic pencils, process for assembling such container and propelling cosmetic pencil
Publication Date: 2010.09.22 FAB ITALANA LAPIS ED AFFINI FILA
  • EP2191740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2191740B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2191740B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3b

AI summary

A container for propelling cosmetic pencils comprises a holding body (4), a lead-holder (7) axially movable in the holding body (4) and having a seat (9) facing a first opening (4a) of the holding body (4) and designed to receive a lead (3) of cosmetic material, a driving element (13) movable in rotation in the holding body (4) and having an operating portion (14) protruding from a second opening (4b) of the holding body (4), means for converting the rotation motion of the operating portion (14) into an axial motion of the lead-holder (7). This means comprises a threaded body (12) being part of the lead-holder (7) or the driving element (13), and radially flexible tabs (16) integral with the driving element (13) or the lead-holder (7) and having threaded portions (17) in engagement with the threaded body (12).