Topical Preparation Warming Device Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for warming topical preparations warm the entire container, leading to energy waste and potential degradation of the preparation, as they require warming the entire contents before use and can result in repeated heating and cooling, which affects the product's quality.

Innovation Solution

A device that pre-warms a premeasured amount of topical preparation from a larger source using a housing with heating elements surrounding a receptacle, allowing only the dispensing tip to be heated, reducing energy consumption and preserving the preparation's quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the entire container is warmed using existing devices, then the topical preparation is warmed, but energy is wasted and the preparation may degrade due to repeated heating and cooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of topical preparationVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the warming function by heating only the dispensing tip portion of the container rather than the entire container. The heating element is positioned to contact only the dispensing tip, allowing selective warming of the portion that needs to be applied, while the remainder of the preparation stays at room temperature, thus avoiding energy waste from heating unnecessary portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies local quality by concentrating the heating action specifically at the dispensing tip where the preparation is applied. The heating element provides localized thermal energy only to the area that requires warming for immediate use, rather than uniformly heating the entire container, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the entire container is warmed, then the preparation is ready for use, but time is wasted waiting for the entire contents to warm before use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of topical preparationVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the warming process to heat only the dispensing tip portion containing the immediate dose, rather than waiting for the entire container contents to warm. This allows the user to access warmed preparation immediately without the extended waiting time required by conventional full-container warming methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Temperature

If the container is kept continually in the warming device, then the preparation remains warm for intermittent use, but energy is wasted continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of topical preparationVSAvoidcontinuous energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the warming function to heat only the small dispensing tip portion rather than the entire container. This segmented approach reduces the thermal mass that requires continuous heating, thereby significantly lowering the continuous energy consumption while still maintaining warmth of the portion needed for intermittent application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies partial action by warming only the necessary portion (dispensing tip) rather than the entire container. This partial warming reduces the energy required to maintain temperature, allowing intermittent use without continuous high energy consumption while still providing sufficient warmth for the applied portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Temperature

If repeated heating and cooling of the topical preparation occurs, then the preparation can be warmed on demand, but the product quality degrades through oxidation and phase separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature of topical preparationVSAvoidproduct quality
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the heating action to affect only the dispensing tip portion that is being applied, rather than repeatedly heating and cooling the entire container contents. This minimizes the volume of preparation subjected to thermal stress, thereby reducing degradation from oxidation and phase separation while still providing warmed preparation for application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution allows for efficient warming of only the needed amount of topical preparation, reducing energy waste and minimizing degradation, enabling faster and more efficient application while maintaining the product's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

heating elements disposed within the housing and substantially surrounding the receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3437432B1Topical preparation warming device
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER INC
  • EP3437432B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3437432B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3437432B1 patent drawingFigure 8a~9b

AI summary

The present invention relates to devices that pre-warm topical preparation intended for application to skin. Specifically, the present invention relates to devices that pre-warm a premeasured amount of a topical preparation from a larger source without warming the full source.