Spring-Loaded Closure Plate for Leak-Safe Applicator Containers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicator systems for products like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives face issues where the container is left open after use, leading to product exposure, drying out, and potential leakage, especially when the container is dropped.

Innovation Solution

An applicator unit with a closure system featuring a translationally displaceable closure plate, actuated by a spring element, automatically returns to a closed position to seal the container opening after use, ensuring the product remains protected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the closure cap is separated from the container to extract the applicator, then the applicator can be removed and used, but the container remains open and the product is exposed to drying out, gas out, and leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator extractionVSAvoidproduct protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure cap is divided into two functional parts: a closure element that seals the container opening and an applicator holder that retains the applicator. This segmentation allows the closure element to remain on the container and maintain sealing, while the applicator holder is removed with the applicator, enabling product extraction without compromising container密封性

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure cap acts as an intermediary component between the container and the applicator. It provides a stable interface where the applicator can be held and manipulated without requiring direct access to the container interior, allowing users to work with the applicator outside the container while the closure element maintains product protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the closure cap is completely removed from the container, then the applicator can be easily extracted, but the container is left open and vulnerable to product loss and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator removalVSAvoidproduct exposure to environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closure cap is divided into two functional parts: a closure element that seals the container opening and an applicator holder that retains the applicator. This segmentation allows the closure element to remain on the container and maintain sealing, while the applicator holder is removed with the applicator, enabling product extraction without compromising container密封性

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure cap transitions from a static complete closure to a dynamic state where the closure element remains fixed on the container while the applicator holder is movable and removable. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between maintaining seal integrity and enabling applicator access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a standard closure cap is used, then the container can be closed and opened, but the applicator must be extracted through the opening which requires unscrewing and leaves the container open during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionVSAvoidtime container remains open

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The closure cap is divided into two functional parts: a closure element that seals the container opening and an applicator holder that retains the applicator. This segmentation allows the closure element to remain on the container and maintain sealing, while the applicator holder is removed with the applicator, enabling product extraction without compromising container密封性

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure cap performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the container opening to prevent product loss, holds the applicator in place for easy access, and allows the applicator to be removed without removing the sealing closure element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to choose between maintaining seal integrity and enabling applicator access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively prevents product loss and leakage by maintaining a sealed container, even when the applicator is removed, enhancing usability and protection of the contents.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one closure plate is pressed automatically into its closure position by the at least one spring element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4529803B1Applicator unit

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 GEKA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Applicator unit for applying a product to a surface - with or without an applicator that can be stuck into a container through a removal opening - comprising a container for storing the product to be applied, a closure for closing or releasing the removal opening, wherein the closure comprises at least one closure plate for closing the removal opening and at least one spring element, wherein the at least one closure plate is mounted so as to be translationally displaceable above the removal opening of the container and is pressed automatically into its closure position by the at least one spring element, and in that the closure plate ends in a handle by means of which it can be transferred into a release position by the user against the tension of the at least one spring element.