Retractable Applicator Cosmetic Container Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cosmetic powder containers, especially those containing loose powder, face issues with spilling, waste, and the need for separate applicators, which increase storage space and risk of applicator deformation during handling.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic container design featuring a receptacle with a cover that integrates a retractable applicator, utilizing mechanisms like slider, ball-point, or threaded screw mechanisms for protrusion and retraction, allowing for various applicator forms and optional additional treatments like sanitization or vibration, and providing visual or tactile indicators for user feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If an integrated applicator is incorporated into the cosmetic container, then storage space is reduced and applicator availability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is integrated into the cosmetic container by merging the applicator body with the container structure. The applicator is positioned within the container such that it can be directly used for applying cosmetic products without requiring a separate applicator item, thereby reducing storage space and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated applicator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage container for cosmetic products and as the application tool itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate applicators, reducing the number of components and simplifying the device while maintaining full functionality.

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

2Reliability

If the applicator is made retractable within the cover, then protection from deformation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from deformationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is designed with retractable functionality, allowing it to move between extended and retracted positions within the cover. This dynamic design enables the applicator to be protected when not in use while maintaining accessibility when needed, reducing the risk of deformation without requiring a completely fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is nested within the cover structure, allowing it to be stored inside the cover when not in use. This nesting arrangement provides protection for the applicator from external forces and deformation while maintaining a compact form factor. The applicator can be easily extracted from the cover when application is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If conventional loose powder dispensers are used, then powder dispensing is achieved, but powder waste increases due to excess powder being dispensed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowder dispensing efficiencyVSAvoidpowder waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser incorporates a sieve or perforated bottom section that allows controlled powder flow. This local quality modification ensures that powder is dispensed in a controlled manner through the sieve openings, preventing excessive powder from being dispensed while maintaining efficient powder delivery for application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8646468B2Cosmetic container
Publication Date: 2014.02.11 ZEN DESIGN SOLUTIONS
  • US8646468B2 patent drawing
  • US8646468B2 patent drawing
  • US8646468B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention generally is a container for storing cosmetic or care products. More particularly, the invention relates to a cosmetic container comprising a receptacle and a cover wherein the cover comprises an integrated applicator wherein the applicator is retractable within the cover. There is provided a cosmetic container comprising a receptacle, said receptacle comprising a housing for storing a product; a cover, said cover comprising a housing that accommodates an applicator and a protrusion retraction mechanism assembly for operating the applicator such that the applicator is integrated within the cover; and an actuating means for actuating the operation of the protrusion retraction mechanism assembly.