Removable Refill Dispenser for Artificial Eyelashes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional artificial eyelash dispensers are not reusable after the eyelashes are consumed, leading to waste and limiting the purchase of large quantities due to impractical and aesthetically unappealing packaging.

Innovation Solution

A device with a removable refill system that allows users to replace the support strip and displacement mechanism, enabling the reuse of the dispenser and reducing waste, while also optimizing storage capacity and aesthetics through a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fixed dispensers are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot be reused after eyelashes are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is divided into two separable parts: a reusable case and a consumable refill. The refill contains the support strip with artificial eyelashes and the displacement mechanism, while the case provides structural housing and dispensing function. This segmentation allows the refill to be replaced after consumption while the case remains for continued use, resolving the contradiction between reusability and structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If large quantities of eyelashes are stored, then the stock is sufficient, but the volume occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestock of eyelashesVSAvoidvolume of dispenser
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support strip with artificial eyelashes is wound around a reel in a compact cylindrical configuration, similar to nesting objects. This nested arrangement allows a large quantity of eyelashes to be stored in a small volume within the refill, which then fits into the case. The displacement mechanism retrieves eyelashes from this compact stored state, resolving the contradiction between stock quantity and volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If conventional packaging is used, then the design is simple, but the aesthetic appeal is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The product is segmented into a reusable case and replaceable refills, allowing the case to be designed with high aesthetic appeal and brand identity features. The refills can be manufactured more simply and replaced when consumed. This segmentation enables investment in aesthetic design of the permanent case while keeping refill manufacturing straightforward, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appeal and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3072409B1Refill device for dispensing artificial eyelashes and refill for said device
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • EP3072409B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3072409B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3072409B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing artificial eyelashes 41, comprising a housing 10, a support strip 30 to which a plurality of artificial eyelashes 41 are attached, and a displacement mechanism adapted to be actuated to cause a displacement of the support strip 30 in order to convey the artificial eyelashes 41 towards an exterior space of the housing 10, said device 1 being provided with a refill designed to be removably assembled to the housing 10, said refill comprising a plate 102, said support strip 30 and the displacement mechanism, said support strip 30 and the displacement mechanism being mounted on said plate 102. The invention further relates to a refill for such a device 1.