Push-up Dispenser Sleeve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for solid and viscous cosmetic products require multiple parts and assembly, and struggle to maintain the product at a selected level during application, especially when medium to high application forces are used, leading to the product receding back into the container.
Innovation Solution
A push-up dispenser with only three primary parts, featuring a first sleeve with apertures for flexibility and a second sleeve with serrations and projections for positive locking, allowing the product support to be maintained at a set orientation using a gripping mechanism, preventing the product from slipping back into the container during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction contact mechanism is used to maintain the product support at a given level, then the product can be held in position during light application, but the product recedes back into the container when medium to high application force is used
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into three primary segmented parts: a container, a product support, and a push-up mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the push-up mechanism providing reliable position maintenance regardless of application force variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-up mechanism is designed to be user-actuated through simple gripping of the container walls, allowing the user to manually maintain product position without complex mechanical systems. The mechanism serves itself by converting simple gripping motion into effective product support positioning.
2Reliability
If conventional dispensers with multiple parts are used, then reliable product support is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases to six or more components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into fewer components. The container serves both as the holding vessel and as part of the push-up mechanism through its flexible walls. The product support is integrated with the push-up mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing the total part count to three primary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls serve multiple functions: they contain the product, provide structural support, and act as the actuating mechanism for the push-up feature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, significantly reducing overall device complexity.
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 dispenser effectively reduces the number of parts and assembly complexity while ensuring the product remains at the desired application level, even with moderate to high application forces, by using a flexible first sleeve and a second sleeve with interfering structures for secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of the first sleeve and the outer surface of the second sleeve have interfering structures such that when they are in contact the second sleeve is maintained in a set orientation, one to the other. This contact is the result of the first sleeve being pushed into contact with the second sleeve by the holding and gripping of the first sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
The dispenser is comprised of a first sleeve that is substantially open at the top and the bottom. A product support is received into the first sleeve, this product support comprising a second sleeve. On the upper part of the second sleeve is a product supporting surface. The lower part of the second sleeve can be contacted by a person's finger to adjust the second sleeve within the first sleeve and to temporarily lock the second sleeve in the first sleeve. On the inner surface of the first sleeve and the outer surface of the second sleeve there are cooperating structures to maintain the second sleeve at a given position in the first sleeve upon the gripping of the first sleeve. In use the second sleeve is adjusted within the first sleeve by pushing up on the bottom of the second sleeve. The sides of the first sleeve are gripped in an appplication grip which holds the second sleeve within the first sleeve during application of the product.