Solid Stick Dispenser Base with Integrated Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick dispensers for consumer care compositions, such as antiperspirant and deodorant, are complex and costly due to multiple components and intricate manufacturing processes, requiring a simpler and more cost-effective advancement mechanism for user control and easier application.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a solid stick dispenser with a base, sleeve, and cap, utilizing a ratchet mechanism or helical threads for manual advancement and retraction of the stick, reducing the number of components and manufacturing complexity, while allowing for easier assembly and lower production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional screw mechanism with multiple components (threaded riser, screw shaft, turning knob, snap-in base) is used, then the stick can be progressively advanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (threaded riser, screw shaft, turning knob, and base) into a single integrated base structure. The internal threading is directly formed in the base, eliminating the need for separate threaded risers and screw shafts, while the turning knob is integrated into the operating mechanism. This consolidation reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the progressive advancement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the housing for the composition, contains the internal threading mechanism for advancement, provides the mounting structure for the stick, and integrates the operating interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional screw mechanism with multiple components is used, then the stick can be progressively advanced, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple separately manufactured and assembled components into a single molded base structure with integrated threading, the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps. The base can be manufactured as a single piece using injection molding or similar processes, with internal threads formed directly during molding, thereby simplifying both manufacturing and assembly operations.
3Reliability
If an upper sealing plug is used to contain liquid product during manufacture, then the liquid composition can be contained, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the base structure itself rather than being a separate removable plug component. The base design incorporates sealing surfaces and engagement features that provide liquid containment during manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity. This integration eliminates the need for a separate upper sealing plug component.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simplified mechanism with fewer components is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ease of operation for manual control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced grip features (such as knurling or textured surfaces) on the turning knob or operating interface area, while other parts of the structure remain smooth and simple. This localized enhancement of surface properties improves manual control and grip without adding complex mechanical components, maintaining ease of operation while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A package for a consumer care composition, the package comprising a container containing a consumer care composition in the form of a solid stick (106), the container having a base which comprises a transverse wall (116) on which the solid stick is mounted, the transverse wall being porous and disposed above a central cavity within the base, the central cavity being surrounded by an inner side wall (114) of the base, the base further comprising an outer side wall defining an annular cavity between the outer side wall and the inner side wall, a sleeve (104) surrounding the solid stick, the sleeve being longitudinally movable relative to the base between extended and retracted positions, the sleeve (104) being retractable into the annular cavity.