Roller Ball Applicator With Contactless Magnetic Piston Dispensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicators for skin care formulas lack efficiency and precision in dispensing and applying the formula, and there is a need for a mechanism to accurately measure the remaining formula amount.

Innovation Solution

An applicator with a contactless piston mechanism, driven by a magnetic field, that includes a roller ball for application and a contactless chip for formula identification, integrated with a dispensing device for simultaneous light therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional pump mechanism is used to dispense formula, then the formula can be dispensed, but the device produces noise and increases mechanical complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing functionVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pump system with a magnetic field-driven piston mechanism. The piston contains a magnetic element that responds to magnetic fields generated by the dispensing device, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps, motors, and associated moving parts. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the dispensing function and significantly reduces noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a mechanical pump is used for dispensing, then formula can be dispensed, but the cost of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing expensive mechanical pump components with a simple magnetic-responsive piston system, the patent reduces manufacturing costs. The piston can be manufactured as a simple plastic component with an embedded magnetic element, eliminating the need for costly mechanical assemblies, seals, and moving parts required by traditional pump systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If no measurement mechanism is implemented, then the device is simpler, but the amount of remaining formula cannot be accurately measured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformula remaining measurementVSAvoidapplicator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic element within the piston that acts as an intermediary for measurement purposes. This magnetic element interacts with magnetic sensors in the dispensing device to provide information about the piston position and remaining formula volume, enabling accurate measurement without requiring complex mechanical measurement mechanisms within the applicator itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The applicator provides quiet, cost-effective, and precise dispensing of skin care formulas with the ability to measure formula remaining, while allowing for simultaneous application and light therapy.

Implementation Method 1

a piston magnet disposed underneath the contactless piston configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the piston magnet is configured to move the piston in response to a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP4595807A1Roller ball applicator with contactless piston to dispense formula
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 LOREAL SA
  • EP4595807A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4595807A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4595807A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of dispensing a formula, the method comprising attaching an applicator filled with a formula to a dispensing device, identifying the formula by reading the contactless chip on the applicator with a contactless reader on the dispensing device, generating a magnetic field with one or more magnets, wherein the magnetic field moves a piston magnet connected to a piston, and dispensing the formula as the piston moves.