Refillable Cosmetic Container With Friction-Fit Ring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic containers are often disposable and non-reusable, leading to waste and requiring complex replacement processes, which increase manufacturing costs and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic product design featuring a removable and refillable container system with a resilient ring member that frictionally engages the outer housing, allowing easy replacement and assembly without secondary components, enhancing recyclability and sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a unitary disposable container is used, then manufacturing stability and shipment stability are improved, but waste increases and reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into two separate components: a reusable outer housing and a removable inner container. This segmentation allows the outer housing to be reused multiple times while the inner container can be easily replaced when empty, reducing overall waste compared to completely disposable unitary containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of the inner container when empty while recovering and reusing the outer housing. The outer housing is designed with features like a rim with opening and interior cavity that can accommodate multiple inner containers, maximizing the recovery and reuse of the more substantial outer component.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a refillable container with secondary components is used, then reusability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, creates the friction fit through its resilient material, and forms the interface between the inner container and outer housing. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed compared to traditional refillable systems that often require separate locking mechanisms, seals, and attachment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material of the coupling member automatically provides the necessary friction fit and retention force without requiring additional fasteners, springs, or complex assembly mechanisms. The system self-regulates the retention force through the elastic properties of the material, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a refillable container with additional components is used, then reusability is improved, but manufacturing and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer housing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different inner containers with varying capacities and formulations. The standardized rim and interior cavity design allow the same outer housing to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized manufacturing tools and processes for different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member's resilient material properties are optimized to provide adequate friction fit across different container sizes and weights. By adjusting the material elasticity and geometry parameters of the coupling member, the system achieves reliable retention without requiring additional costly components for each variant.
4Reliability
If a complex removal and installation process is used, then container retention is improved, but user time and convenience are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member utilizes dynamic friction-based retention rather than static mechanical locks. The resilient material provides continuous adaptive friction that maintains secure retention during normal use but allows easy removal when deliberate force is applied, balancing reliability with user convenience without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner container can be easily extracted from the outer housing by simply pulling it out along the central axis, as the friction fit is designed to be overcome by moderate force. This extraction process requires no disassembly of multiple components, minimizing the time and complexity of replacement for the end user.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient replacement of cosmetic substances, reducing waste and manufacturing costs while improving user experience through simplified installation and removal processes.
Implementation Method 1
the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to retain the removable container therewithin
Implementation Method 2
the ring member is at least partially constructed from a resilient material
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic product may include an outer housing having a rim forming an opening and including an interior cavity, a container coupling member operably coupled with the rim of the outer housing, and a removable container the container including an outer surface and a container cavity adapted to retain a cosmetic substance. The container coupling member includes a ring member defining an interior surface. The removable container may be insertable into the interior cavity of the outer housing such that the interior surface of the ring member frictionally engages the outer surface of the removable container to retain the removable container therewithin.