Refillable Cosmetic Container Segmented Inner and Outer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and environmental impact of discarding entire cosmetic containers when they are empty, as well as the aesthetic concerns related to packaging, necessitate a refillable cosmetic container design that allows for easy replacement of the inner container while ensuring secure attachment, especially when the lid is closed.
Innovation Solution
A refillable cosmetic container system comprising a removable inner container housed within an outer container, where the outer container features a stepped sidewall design with threads for secure lid engagement and an annular groove for snap-fitting the inner container, allowing for easy replacement and recharging without gaps for aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inner container is made removable for easy replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of attachment when the lid is closed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate components: an outer container, a removable inner container, and a lid. This segmentation allows the inner container to be easily removed and replaced while the outer container and lid remain as a stable assembly. The inner container can be independently accessed through the opening in the outer container's bottom wall, facilitating easy replacement without compromising the overall structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container is nested within the outer container, with the inner container positioned inside the hollow space of the outer container. This nesting arrangement allows the inner container to be easily inserted and removed through the opening in the bottom wall, while when assembled, the inner container is securely held within the outer container, maintaining attachment reliability.
2Strength
If the outer container is made thick for protecting contents, then the strength is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to discarding the entire container
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into a durable outer container and a replaceable inner container. The thick outer container provides robust protection for the contents and can be reused multiple times, while only the inner container containing the cosmetic product is discarded when empty. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained while reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of only the inner container containing the cosmetic product, while the outer container is recovered and reused for subsequent inner containers. This approach recovers the valuable outer container material and maintains the protective function, thereby reducing overall substance loss and environmental impact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is designed to close the opening, then the protection of contents is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional engagement features
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented as a separate component - a seal element - that can be integrated with the lid or positioned independently. This seal prevents the cosmetic product from drying out by closing the opening when the lid is in place, while the segmentation allows for simpler overall design compared to integrated sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal acts as an intermediary element between the lid and the inner container or outer container opening. This seal provides the protective function by preventing drying out, while the lid itself can have a simpler structure without complex integrated sealing features. The threads on the outer container provide a straightforward engagement mechanism for the lid.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic product, the device includes a product dispensing assembly, an applicator which is configured to be coupled within an upper chamber of the product dispensing assembly in a removable manner, and a cap which is configured to be removably engaged with the product dispensing assembly for covering the applicator and the product dispensing assembly when the device is not in use. The applicator comprises an applicator element which is in contact with an intermediate receiving surface of the dispensing head of the product dispensing assembly. At least a portion of the applicator is placed in contact with the product delivered through at least one outlet of the dispensing head when the product dispensing assembly is actuated. Preferably, the product at least partially impregnates the applicator element when the product contacts the applicator element.