Refillable Lipstick Dispenser with Magnetic Catch and Retractable Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lipstick containers are costly and limit the variety of lipstick types and colors offered due to the high cost of dispensers, which are often marketed together with the lipstick, leading to issues like lost caps and melting from heat.

Innovation Solution

A refillable lipstick dispenser system with magnetic, screw-type, or bayonet catches allows for interchangeable lipstick refills, including a retractable sleeve and extractor for easy installation and removal, reducing waste and enabling customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a permanent lipstick dispenser is used, then the dispenser quality and reusability are improved, but the initial cost is high and limits variety of lipstick types offered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser reusabilityVSAvoidlipstick variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lipstick system is divided into two separable components: a permanent reusable dispenser and a replaceable lipstick refill. The dispenser contains a magnetic catch mechanism that holds the refill, allowing the user to keep the dispenser indefinitely while swapping refills to change lipstick type, color, or shade. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the dispenser durable and reusable while enabling variety through interchangeable refills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser is designed as a universal container that can accommodate multiple different lipstick refills through a standardized magnetic catch interface. The same dispenser body can hold various refill types (matte, glossy, liquid, balm) and colors, making it multi-functional and adaptable to different lipstick preferences without requiring multiple permanent dispensers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a retractable sleeve is added to the dispenser, then ease of operation for installing and removing refills is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefill installation and removalVSAvoiddispenser structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser incorporates a retractable sleeve that can dynamically extend and retract. When retracted, the sleeve exposes the magnetic catch and refill interface, allowing easy installation and removal of refills. When extended, the sleeve protects the refill and provides a smooth exterior. This dynamic component improves ease of operation while adding only moderate complexity through a simple telescoping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution reduces the long-term cost of lipsticks, allows for a wider selection of colors and types, and provides a reusable dispenser that can be customized, saving resources and offering a more economical and environmentally friendly option.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic catch that enables replacement of the lipstick within the dispenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3148367B1Refillable lipstick with retractable sleeve
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 ALVIAR ZOILO LUIS
  • EP3148367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3148367B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3148367B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A refillable lipstick dispenser (100) is provided. The lipstick dispenser (100) incorporates a screw-type catch or a magnetic catch that enables replacement of the lipstick (102) within the dispenser (100). A lipstick refills (300) may be installed and removed from the dispenser (100) with an extractor (900). The dispenser (100) includes a sleeve (104) that is arranged to extend and retract within the dispenser (100), to provide access to the lipstick (102) for removal and/or installation. Since the lipstick (102) and the dispenser (100) are manufactured separately, the number of the lipstick (102) types or colors are not limited, and the lipstick (102) can be easily changed.