Spacer Ring Centering Ribs for Cosmetic Tube Cap Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for cosmetic product tubes with perforating plugs lack effective centering mechanisms, leading to risks of unwanted drilling or damage to the cap during the transition from a waiting position to a position of use, necessitating improved protection and positioning of the spacer ring.

Innovation Solution

A spacer ring with symmetrical radial ribs and internal annular extra thickness for better centering on the tube neck, allowing angular positioning and maintaining the ring during demolding, is used to control the spacing between the cap and tube, preventing unwanted perforation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spacer ring is removed to transition from standby position to use position, then the cap can be repositioned for piercing the seal, but the risk of unintentional puncturing of the seal increases due to lack of positioning control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap repositioningVSAvoidseal protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer ring is pre-positioned on the tube neck during manufacturing to maintain the cap in the standby position. This preliminary positioning action ensures the seal remains protected during storage and transport, and the ring remains in place until the user intentionally removes it for first use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer ring acts as an intermediary element between the cap and the tube neck. It provides a physical barrier that prevents the cap from moving too far inward and accidentally puncturing the seal during the transition from standby to use position. The ring mediates the positioning control throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the punch penetrates inside the neck in standby position to reach the seal, then the seal can be pierced on first use, but the seal may be damaged unintentionally before first use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirst use functionalityVSAvoidseal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer ring provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned between the cap and the seal. When the cap is in the standby position, the ring cushions against the cap, preventing it from penetrating deep enough to damage the seal. This protective cushioning is in place before first use occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer ring is designed as a disposable component that serves its protective function during storage and transport, then is intentionally removed by the user for first use. After the seal is pierced, the ring has completed its useful life and is discarded, allowing the cap to be reused for subsequent dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If the spacer ring is positioned on the tube neck, then the spacing between cap and tube is controlled, but the ring requires effective centering to prevent misalignment and positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvering positioningVSAvoidcentering mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer ring incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular cross-section and positioning ribs with specific geometries that engage with corresponding features on the tube neck. This asymmetric design provides positive centering and prevents rotational misalignment, ensuring the ring maintains the correct angular orientation without requiring complex centering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Productivity

If the ring is made by injection molding, then production efficiency is improved, but the ring requires internal annular thickness to maintain shape during demolding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidring shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The injection molding process parameters are optimized to produce the spacer ring with the required internal annular thickness. By controlling parameters such as injection pressure, cooling time, and mold temperature, the process ensures the ring maintains its geometric stability and dimensional precision during demolding while achieving high production efficiency through the inherent speed of injection molding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3621893B1Spacer ring for positioning between a container and a stopper and assembly of said container and stopper

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a spacer ring for positioning between a container, in particular a tube, specifically a flexible tube for a cosmetic product, and a stopper of said container, said ring (22) comprising ribs (70) for centring on a neck of said container. The invention also relates to an assembly formed from said container and said ring (22).