Refillable Cosmetic Container Button Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refillable containers for stick type cosmetic products are not simple and easy to use for removing and attaching refills, leading to user inconvenience and potential overstocking by manufacturers due to high costs and limited color options.
Innovation Solution
A refillable container design featuring a cap, base assembly, and refill cartridge with a button member that allows for easy replacement by pressing a button to disengage the refill cartridge, utilizing a spiral cam sleeve and carrier cup mechanism for propelling and retracting the cosmetic product, and a snap-fit mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a refillable container with a complex removal mechanism is used, then the refill cartridge can be secured reliably, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removing and attaching refills
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into three main segments: a reusable base assembly, a reusable cap, and a replaceable refill cartridge. This segmentation allows the refill cartridge to be independently removed and attached without affecting the structural integrity of the base or cap, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill cartridge is extracted as a separate, removable component from the container system. The base assembly includes a cavity that receives and holds the refill cartridge, but the cartridge can be easily removed by pressing a button member that releases retaining arms. This extraction allows users to replace refills without disassembling the entire container, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers offer many lipstick colors with disposable containers, then product variety is improved, but cost increases due to purchasing entire dispensers for each color
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly and cap are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple different refill cartridges containing various lipstick colors and shades. The standardized cavity and retention mechanism allow a single base to work with numerous refill types, enabling consumers to purchase only the refill portion for color variety rather than entire dispensers, thus reducing cost while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design separates the reusable portion (base assembly and cap) from the consumable portion (refill cartridge). After use, only the depleted refill cartridge is discarded, while the base assembly and cap are recovered and reused with new refill cartridges. This reduces waste and cost for consumers who want to try different colors, as they retain the expensive base components.
3Ease of operation
If a simple refill replacement mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like button member and spring
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly includes a button member that, when pressed, automatically triggers the release mechanism through a spring-loaded system. The spring stores energy and automatically propels the retaining arms outward to release the refill cartridge when the button is pressed. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation for the user while consolidating multiple functions into integrated components, reducing the perceived complexity despite the additional elements.
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 simple and efficient replacement of refill cartridges, reducing user effort and manufacturer costs, while allowing for a wider range of product offerings without the need for frequent dispenser replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the base assembly and in engagement with the sliding member
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a spiral cam sleeve and carrier cup mechanism for propelling and retracting the cosmetic product
Data Source
AI summary
A refillable container for a stick type cosmetic product comprising a cap, a refill cartridge and a base assembly. The base assembly comprises an outer shell and a button member. The refill cartridge is configured to be detachably received at least partially within a cavity of the outer shell of the base assembly such that the refill cartridge may be removed and replaced from said base assembly by pressing the button member provided in the base assembly.