Single-Handle Multi-Applicator Package with Rotary Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-applicator systems for cosmetics and personal care are oversized, complicated, and costly to fill and cap, with multiple handles and containers, and are less efficient at applying products to extended surface areas, especially with viscous products.

Innovation Solution

A single-container, single-handle immersion-type multi-applicator package with adjacent openings for applicators, featuring a selection mechanism that articulates with one applicator at a time, such as a rotary cam or magnetic system, allowing efficient access and use of multiple applicators from a single container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applicators are provided with separate handles and containers, then each applicator can be independently used, but the package size becomes significantly larger and more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-applicator functionalityVSAvoidpackage size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple applicators are merged into a single container with a single handle structure. The applicators share common components including the container body, closure mechanism, and handle, while maintaining separate application surfaces and product reservoirs. This integration dramatically reduces package size compared to providing each applicator in a separate container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single handle structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the closure for the container, provides grip for user manipulation, and supports multiple applicator stems. The closure mechanism universally seals the container regardless of which applicator is in use, and the handle design accommodates various applicator configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applicators are provided with separate handles, then each applicator can be independently manipulated, but the device complexity and cost of filling and capping increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-applicator functionalityVSAvoidfilling and capping complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure and handle functions are merged into a single integrated component. This single closure mechanism seals the container for all applicators simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate closure operations. The manufacturing process benefits from this simplification, as filling and capping can be performed in fewer steps compared to handling multiple separate containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If a single container with multiple applicators is used, then package size is reduced, but access to individual applicators becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidapplicator selection and access

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is segmented into multiple compartments or sections, each housing a separate applicator with its own product reservoir. This segmentation allows each applicator to be independently accessed and manipulated while maintaining a compact integrated package. Users can select and use individual applicators without disturbing the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A selection mechanism or indicator system serves as an intermediary between the user and the multiple applicators. This mechanism facilitates easy identification and selection of the desired applicator, making the single-container design as user-friendly as having separate containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If immersion-type applicators are used in a single container, then product application efficiency is improved, but the selection mechanism adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct application efficiencyVSAvoidselection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selection mechanism may replace complex mechanical systems with simpler alternatives such as magnetic coupling, spring-loaded retention, or friction-fit interfaces. These simplified mechanisms allow applicators to be easily selected and detached without requiring complex actuation systems, maintaining productivity while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7997820B2Multi-applicator package with single handle

Publication Date: 2011.08.16 ELC MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

An immersion-type multi-applicator system, comprising a single container and a single handle. The container has two or more adjacent openings and each opening is capable of receiving its own applicator. Also provided is a selection mechanism that articulates the handle with exactly one applicator. The selection mechanism may be a rotary cam system, a rotary magnetic selector system, a sliding cam system, etc.