Refillable cylindrical cosmetic wipe dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wipes packaging in sachets is not recyclable, unsustainable, and lacks reusability, with multiple plastic films creating waste and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical wipes pack with a robust sealing system made from a single recyclable plastic polymer, allowing for easy refilling and reuse, featuring a tearable wipe system and the option to convert dry wipes into wet ones by adding liquid formulations, promoting sustainability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sachet packaging is used, then wipes are protected and dispensed, but the packaging is not recyclable and creates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into two separate components: a reusable cylindrical container and disposable refill packs. This segmentation allows the container to be recycled indefinitely while only the wipe refills are discarded, significantly reducing plastic waste compared to single-use sachets.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the container portion while discarding only the consumable wipe refills. The container can be cleaned and refilled multiple times, extending its lifecycle and reducing overall waste generation.
2Reliability
If multiple plastic films are used in sachet packaging, then wipes are protected, but sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable container uses a durable flexible shell that provides long-term protection, replacing multiple thin disposable films. The refill packs use minimal thin film packaging only for the wipes themselves, reducing overall plastic film usage while maintaining protection.
3Reliability
If a robust sealing system is implemented, then leaks are prevented and wipes stay fresh, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a cylindrical shape with a simple annular sealing groove that accommodates a rubber O-ring. This curved geometry provides effective sealing through radial compression of the O-ring against the container wall, achieving robust leakage prevention with minimal structural complexity.
4Weight of moving object
If the pack is made lightweight for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but material strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is constructed from high-density polyethylene, a lightweight plastic that provides sufficient structural strength and durability. The material balance achieves portability while maintaining resistance to deformation and damage during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A wipes pack comprises a barrel having a central axis extending the length of the barrel, the barrel having an open top and a closed bottom; and a cap having a central axis extending the length of the cap, the cap has an open bottom and a closed top, wherein the cap is configured to fit within the open top of the barrel, the cap is lowered in the barrel to conceal a sidewall of the cap, and the cap is raised to expose the sidewall of the cap, wherein the sidewall of the cap includes a dispensing orifice; and the wipes pack includes a spindle that extends along the central axis of the cap or barrel or both, wherein the spindle is configured to support a roll aligned with the central axes of the cap or barrel or both.