Replaceable Inner Cup with Snap-Fit Tabs for Cosmetic Jar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic jars with integral or firmly fixed outer and inner components lead to resource waste when the inner cup is depleted, as they are inconvenient to disassemble and can contaminate materials during removal, and threaded connections often result in looseness.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic jar design featuring a replaceable inner cup with symmetric tabs that can be bent downward to engage with recessed accommodation regions on the outer jar, allowing for secure connection without requiring both hands and minimizing material contact during replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outer jar and inner cup are threadedly connected through matched screw threads, then the detachable and replaceable functions are implemented, but the operation becomes inconvenient and materials are easily contaminated by hand screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cup's tabs are designed to be bent downward by hand to automatically engage with the outer jar's accommodation regions, eliminating the need for threaded screwing operations. The structure itself performs the connection function through simple deformation rather than requiring manual threading operations that contaminate materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is segmented into discrete tabs on the inner cup and corresponding accommodation regions on the outer jar. This segmentation allows for simple snap-fit engagement rather than continuous threaded connection, enabling easy one-handed operation without material contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer jar and inner cup are threadedly connected, then the detachable function is achieved, but looseness occurs between the inner cup and outer jar due to infirm screwing
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed with curved engagement surfaces that fit into the accommodation regions, creating a snap-fit connection that resists loosening. The curved geometry provides mechanical interlocking that prevents the infirm screwing problem associated with threaded connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-formed with bending capability, allowing them to be deformed into the engagement position and lock into place before use. This preliminary preparation ensures stable connection without requiring repeated tightening operations that lead to loosening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner cup is taken out by holding both hands and screwing, then the detachable function is achieved, but the operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The tab structure enables the inner cup to be removed and installed by simple one-handed bending motion. The structure itself facilitates the connection and disconnection functions without requiring complex two-handed threading operations, significantly reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic jar having a replaceable inner cup is provided. Two symmetric tabs are provided at an upper opening of an inner cup, the tabs each are provided with a tab clamping portion, accommodation regions recessed inward in a radial direction and shaped as a notch are symmetrically formed on an external thread of the outer jar, and an outer jar clamping portion is respectively provided at the accommodation regions. When the tabs are bent downward, the tab clamping portion can be clamped in the outer jar clamping portion to connect the inner cup into the outer jar. After materials in the original inner cup is used up, the empty inner cup can be taken out by releasing the connection between the tab clamping portion and the outer jar clamping portion, and a replacement inner cup is placed and fastened in the outer jar.