Retractable Cosmetic Stick Container Radial Bistable Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic and hygienic product containers with bistable devices face issues of reduced volume for the applicator element due to the axial location of the bistable device, leading to friction and jamming problems during movement between retracted and projecting configurations.
Innovation Solution
The container design incorporates an elastically compressible device with a heart-shaped guide track and follower finger, strategically located between the sheath and cover, utilizing lateral spaces created by differing section shapes to minimize friction and jamming, while maintaining simplicity, reliability, and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the bistable device is located axially between the bottom of the hood and the sleeve, then the device structure is simplified, but the volume available for the applicator element is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the bistable device from an axial arrangement to a radial arrangement. The loop track is positioned in the radial thickness of the hood wall rather than extending axially, allowing the applicator element to occupy the full axial volume of the hood while the bistable mechanism operates in the radial dimension.
2Device complexity
If the pin is integral with a ring sliding circumferentially in an annular groove, then the device complexity is reduced, but friction and jamming increase during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivoting arm that can rotate about a transverse axis, transforming the movement from a constrained sliding motion to a dynamic rotational motion. This allows the follower finger to follow the heart-shaped track while the arm pivots, reducing friction and preventing jamming by accommodating movement variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a heart-shaped curved track instead of a straight or simple circular path. This curved geometry guides the follower finger through a smooth arc, ensuring continuous contact with the track surface and maintaining reliable engagement during the transformation between retracted and projecting configurations.
3Length of moving object
If the sleeve has an axial dimension considerably smaller than the hood, then the bistable device fits axially, but the available volume for the applicator element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the bistable device to operate radially within the hood wall thickness rather than axially within the hood volume. This dimensional shift allows the sleeve to extend axially to match the hood's full length, maximizing the space available for the applicator element while the bistable mechanism functions in the radial dimension.
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 design allows for efficient movement of the sheath between stable configurations, maximizing the volume available for the applicator element while ensuring easy engagement and disengagement, reducing friction and jamming risks, and providing a clean aesthetic and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a movable sleeve (42) connected to the hood by an elastically compressible device with two axial positions stable relative to a maximum insertion configuration
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element (43) arranged to stress the sleeve outwards from the hood
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product, comprising an applicator element (3) in which a stick (2) of said product can move axially relative to a base (32), as well as a tubular storage element (4) comprising a top (41) that contains a mobile sleeve (42) and is suitable for covering the applicator element (3) in a configuration wherein said applicator element is fully inserted into the sleeve and connected to said top by means of an elastically compressible device having two stable axial positions relative to a fully inserted configuration, said device comprising a resilient element (43) pushing the sleeve (42) towards the outside of the top, and, distributed between the top and the sleeve, a heart-shaped guide track (44) arranged parallel to an axial direction of the top, and a follower (45) carried by a generally axially pivoting arm (46) such as to define stable top and bottom positions allowing the applicator element to be gripped or not. The resilient element (43) is arranged between the outer wall of the sleeve (42) and the inner wall of the top (41), and the guide track and follower are arranged in a lateral space formed by the shape differences of the cross-sections of the top and the sleeve.