Disposable Stick Product Container with Rotating Unlocking Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers for stick products often prevent refilling and reuse due to design limitations, such as non-flexible top ends that can damage the product during assembly and lack of easy access for refilling, and locking mechanisms that are difficult to engage and disengage without tools.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cartridge design with a cam sleeve that slides over the inner body from the bottom, allowing the holder cup to be inserted before or after assembly, and a reusable rotating base member that serves as an unlocking tool, enabling easy access and refilling while maintaining the stick product's protection during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cam sleeve is assembled over the inner body in conventional containers, then the top of the inner body is prevented from flexing outwardly, but this prevents the holder cup and product from being removed for refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a reusable outer container (inner body and cam sleeve) and a disposable cartridge (holder cup with product). The disposable cartridge can be easily removed and replaced, providing refillability without compromising the structural integrity of the outer container.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder cup with product is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the outer container is recovered and reused with a new cartridge. This resolves the contradiction by making the refillable part disposable rather than requiring the entire container to be opened and modified.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the longitudinal and helical slots open up onto the top end to allow holder cup removal, then refilling becomes possible, but a significant portion of the holder cup sits above the container requiring grasping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening slots at the top for removal, the invention provides a dedicated removal tool that inserts through the bottom of the container. This inverted approach allows the holder cup to be removed from below without exposing it above the container, eliminating the need for users to grasp exposed portions.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated removal tool acts as an intermediary between the user and the holder cup. The tool engages with the holder cup through the bottom opening and provides leverage for removal, making the process easier and more elegant than grasping exposed portions of the holder cup.
3Reliability
If locking features are implemented to prevent accidental ejection, then the holder cup is secured during transport, but the locking mechanism becomes difficult to engage and disengage without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The holder cup features self-latching protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the inner body during assembly. This self-service locking mechanism provides secure transport protection without requiring user intervention or complex locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and unlocking forces are balanced through symmetric protrusion-recess geometry and material selection. The holder cup locks securely during transport but can be easily removed with gentle manual force, achieving equipotentiality between locked and unlocked states.
4Strength
If the inner body top is made non-flexible to prevent damage during assembly, then structural integrity is maintained, but the holder cup cannot be inserted through the top
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the holder cup through the top of the inner body, the invention provides an opening at the bottom of the inner body. The holder cup is inserted from below, eliminating the need for the top to flex while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly direction is changed from vertical insertion through the top to horizontal or upward insertion from the bottom. This dimensional change allows the inner body to maintain its rigid structure while still enabling easy assembly of the holder cup.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and refilling of stick products without damaging them, provides a secure locking mechanism for transport, and allows for the reuse of the unlocking tool as an upscale fashion accessory, enhancing user experience and product lifecycle.
Implementation Method 1
a cam sleeve placed around a cylindrical inner body such that the cam and body can rotate with respect to each other
Implementation Method 2
The cam sleeve has an inner wall that features at least one helical slot that extends along a substantial length of the inner wall
Implementation Method 3
The top (1a) of the inner body (1) is flexible, so that it can be enlarged
Implementation Method 4
The inner body and cam sleeve are rotated relative to each other, the helical slot applies pressure to the lug of the holder cup
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
A disposable cartridge assembly for stick products, intended to be used in conjunction with a rotating base member that unlocks the cartridge and raises and lowers the stick product in the assembly. The rotating base member is intended to remain connected to the cartridge assembly for the life of the stick product, but may be detached and reused with multiple cartridges, which can be sold for the purpose. This design creates various options for manufacture and assembly of the various components at one or more locations.