Single-Use Static Mixing for Contamination-Free Cosmetic Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic dispensing devices face challenges in ensuring accurate dosing of mixed products without contamination from previous doses and are inefficient for larger doses, requiring frequent re-use and manual mixing which may not be feasible for users.
Innovation Solution
A single-use mixer system that separately supplies base products in user-defined proportions, ensuring no mixing occurs upstream, with a static mixer and peristaltic pumps for precise dosing, and an electronic control unit for automated dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reusable mixing circuit is used to dispense cosmetic products, then larger doses can be obtained and the user does not need to manually mix products, but the circuit may be contaminated by residues from previous doses
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dispensing circuit into separate, dedicated pathways for each base product (A, B, C) that converge only at the final mixing point. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination by ensuring that mixed products from previous doses do not remain in the circuit, while still allowing for automated mixing and larger dose dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted from the main dispensing circuit and performed only at the point of delivery. Base products are transported separately through dedicated channels and mixed only when needed, eliminating the possibility of residue contamination in the mixing circuit while maintaining automated mixing capability.
2Device complexity
If base products are dispensed separately and left for user mixing, then device complexity is reduced, but the user lacks appropriate mixing equipment and cannot obtain larger doses efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the mixing operation automatically without requiring user intervention. The dispensing device itself mixes the base products in the correct proportions and delivers the final cosmetic product, making the device self-sufficient and eliminating the need for user mixing equipment or knowledge.
3Extent of automation
If a mixing circuit is used to combine base products, then automated mixing is achieved, but cleaning the circuit between uses becomes necessary to prevent contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into separate pathways for each base product that only converge at the final mixing point. This design allows automated mixing while preventing residue accumulation in the transport channels, eliminating the need for cleaning operations between uses.
4Device complexity
If manual mixing is required for separate base product dispensing, then device complexity is reduced, but users cannot obtain accurate proportions and must repeat operations for larger doses
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the dispensing process in real-time, ensuring that base products are mixed in the precise proportions required. This feedback control maintains dosing accuracy while automating the mixing process, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
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
Ensures each dose contains the desired proportions of base products without contamination, allowing for larger doses and eliminating the need for manual mixing and cleaning, while maintaining product quality and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
said device comprises a plurality of pumps, for collecting said base products from the cartridges and for supplying said mixer with said base products, in said proportions; the pumps are of the peristaltic type
Implementation Method 2
the mixer is a static mixer
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a fluid product (P) on demand, in particular a cosmetic product. The device is configured to allow mixing of at least two products, referred to as base products, in proportions selected from information originating from a user, in order to form the product on demand. The device comprises a mixer configured to mix the base products, the device being configured to supply the mixer separately with the base products in the proportions and to dispense the product (P) on demand at the outlet of the mixer, the mixer being single-use.