Stick Dispenser Depletion Indicator Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of solid stick cosmetic and personal care products, such as deodorants and antiperspirants, lack an indication of product depletion, leading to unexpected runs and inconvenience in restocking.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing system with an automatic early warning system that provides both visual and tactile indications of impending depletion, using indicator protrusions embedded in the product that become exposed as the product is used, signaling the user to replace the product before it runs out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the dispenser is made opaque with manufacturer labels, then the product appearance is protected and branded, but the user cannot see how much product is remaining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct depletion indicationVSAvoiddispenser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator protrusions are embedded directly in the stick product itself, allowing the product to indicate its own depletion status without requiring separate monitoring mechanisms or transparent packaging. The product serves its own indication function through the embedded protrusions that become visible as it is consumed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator protrusions can be made with different colors or materials that contrast with the stick product, providing visual indication of depletion. When the protrusions become exposed through abrasion, their distinct appearance signals to the user that the product is running low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If no depletion indication is provided, then the dispenser structure remains simple, but the user runs out of product unexpectedly without time to restock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous product availabilityVSAvoidrestocking time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator protrusions provide advance warning of product depletion before the stick is completely consumed. This preliminary indication gives users time to plan and execute restocking actions during convenient moments rather than when urgently needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded indicator protrusions provide continuous feedback to the user about the product's remaining quantity. As the stick is applied and abrades, the protrusions progressively become exposed, giving real-time information about depletion status and enabling timely restocking decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If indicator protrusions are embedded in the stick product, then depletion warning is provided, but the product structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepletion warningVSAvoidproduct manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator protrusions are integrated directly into the stick product structure during manufacturing, combining the product formulation and indication system into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate indication mechanisms and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stick product serves multiple functions: it provides the cosmetic/personal care benefit while simultaneously serving as its own depletion indicator through the embedded protrusions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system.

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

Enables users to plan for replacing the product ahead of time, ensuring continuous use and convenience by providing a visual and tactile alert when the product is nearly depleted, along with a reserve volume for additional applications.

Implementation Method 1

after repeated applications of the solid stick product by the user, the solid stick product abrades away and the plurality of spaced apart indicator protrusions become exposed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS9433275B2Stick product dispensing system

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

A stick product dispensing system is disclosed which prospectively provides an advance or early warning to a user that the product will soon be depleted. In one embodiment, the product dispensing system includes a dispenser (10) having a tubular barrel (20) with an open end (24), a solid stick product (12) disposed in the barrel (20), and a moveable platform (40) disposed in the barrel (20) for supporting and dispensing the product (12) through the open end (24). The platform (40) includes a plurality of spaced apart indicator protrusions (100) extending outwards from the platform (40) forming interstitial spaces holding a reserve amount of product. After repeated uses of the dispenser, the protrusions (100) eventually emerge from the top of the stick product (12) signaling the user that one or a few additional applications remain. This allows the user to purchase another dispenser in advance to avoid running out of product. In one embodiment, the product may be a deodorant/anti-perspirant.