3D-Printed Artificial Eyelash Segments With Integral Coupling Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing artificial eyelashes have a relatively short lifespan and require frequent replacement due to limited adhesion surface area and construction, necessitating improvements in durability and engagement with natural lashes.

Innovation Solution

The development of monolithic eyelash segments formed via 3D printing, featuring integrally formed artificial lash hairs and coupling members that mechanically engage with natural lashes, enhancing adhesion without adhesives, and incorporating an array of coupling members that wrap around or hook onto natural lashes to increase surface area and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional artificial eyelashes are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but durability and wear time are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure, artificial lash hairs, and coupling members are merged into a single monolithic component formed by 3D printing. This integration eliminates separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations while enhancing durability through unified structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing method transitions from traditional molding or assembly processes to 3D printing, changing the fabrication parameters to enable complex internal geometries and integrated features that improve durability without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If traditional artificial eyelashes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adhesion surface area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion surface areaVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members extend in a direction transverse to the first direction of the artificial lash hairs, adding a third dimension to the structure. This dimensional expansion creates additional adhesion surface area by projecting coupling members toward the natural lashes perpendicular to the hair extension direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The array of coupling members is segmented along the elongate body, with each coupling member independently positioned to engage with natural lashes. This segmentation distributes the adhesion function across multiple discrete engagement points, increasing total contact area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional artificial eyelashes are used, then manufacturing cost is controlled, but replacement frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear timeVSAvoidreplacement rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The monolithic eyelash segment is designed as a durable, long-lasting product that reduces the need for frequent replacements. While the unitary structure requires higher initial manufacturing precision, it eliminates the need for repeated consumer repurchasing, improving overall productivity efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Strength

If coupling members are added to increase engagement, then mechanical engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling members are merged with the base structure as integral features formed in a single 3D printing operation. This eliminates separate manufacturing steps for creating and attaching coupling members, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving strong mechanical engagement through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides improved wear time and durability of artificial eyelashes by increasing the contact surface area and mechanical engagement with natural lashes, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

the base structure, the set of individual artificial lash hairs, and the array of coupling members are integrally formed using a three-dimensional (3D) printing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D printing: 3D Printing

Data Source

PatentEP4640097A1Artificial eyelash segment system

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 TAD BEAUTY INC

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AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to an artificial eyelash system, such as an artificial eyelash segment (100) having integrally-formed artificial hairs (102-105) and a base structure (106) with an array of coupling members (108), and/or a support frame (700) defining a spine (702), engagement features (706), and an array of coupling members (704) integrally formed. In some cases, the artificial eyelash segment (100) and/or the support frame (700) may be formed using a three-dimensional printing process or similar manufacturing techniques. The array of coupling members (108) may protrude from the base structure (106) in a direction towards the wearer's natural eyelashes to increase an available surface area that bonds to the wearer's natural eyelashes and thereby increases the wear time of the artificial eyelash system.