Refillable Stick Case With Guiding Protrusion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in correctly coupling refillable lipstick cases to the base of cosmetic applicator devices, leading to potential damage of the case or the base, and risk of damaging the cosmetic material.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a refillable stick case with a tubular guide featuring a main portion with a greater outer diameter than the coupling portion, and a base with a guiding protrusion that aligns with the tubular guide, preventing misalignment and reverse insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refillable stick case is inserted into the base without guidance features, then the insertion process is simple, but misalignment occurs causing damage to the case or base
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular guide acts as an intermediary component between the refillable stick case and the base. It provides a guided insertion path through its structured geometry (main portion with larger diameter and coupling portion with smaller diameter), ensuring proper alignment and preventing misalignment damage without requiring complex external guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular guide is pre-configured with a specific geometric structure where the main portion has a larger outer diameter than the coupling portion. This preliminary structural arrangement automatically guides the refillable stick case into the correct orientation during insertion, preventing misalignment before it can cause damage.
2Reliability
If the refillable stick case lacks orientation prevention features, then manufacturing is simpler, but reverse insertion damages the cosmetic material
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular guide employs asymmetric geometry where the main portion has a larger outer diameter and the coupling portion has a smaller outer diameter. This asymmetric structure creates an orientation-specific insertion path that physically prevents reverse insertion, protecting the cosmetic material from damage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tubular guide has uniform diameter throughout, then manufacturing is easier, but alignment during insertion cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular guide features local quality variations along its length, with the main portion having a larger outer diameter and the coupling portion having a smaller outer diameter. This localized dimensional differentiation ensures proper alignment during insertion while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for tubular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic applicator device including a refillable stick case and a base for receiving the refillable stick case. The refillable stick case is configured to be removably coupled to the base. The refillable stick case includes a stick holder for holding a stick of a cosmetic material and a tubular guide surrounding the stick holder. The tubular guide extends along a first longitudinal direction between a tubular guide coupling end and a tubular guide open end. The tubular guide includes a main portion having a main portion outer diameter and a coupling portion longitudinally extending from the main portion to the tubular guide coupling end. The base includes an inner member including a guiding protrusion is configured to guide the coupling portion outer surface of the tubular guide during the insertion of the refillable stick case into the base.