Adjustable Applicator with Movable Filament for Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for cosmetics and care products, such as mascara and dental flossing, are often pre-curved and lack user-controlled adjustability, making them difficult to use effectively, especially in confined areas like the eye region, where different eyelid curvatures require adaptable tools.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable applicator with a movable filament housed within a bore in the applicator element, allowing for angular deformation to varying degrees without additional components, using an elastic material and a biasing member to facilitate controlled curvature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-curved applicator is used, then the applicator can contact more eyelashes along a curved eyelid, but it becomes more difficult to use in confined areas like the corners of the eye where a straight brush works better
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator employs a flexible brush body that can dynamically change its curvature state between straight and curved configurations. This dynamic flexibility allows the user to adapt the brush shape in real-time based on the specific application area, whether it requires a straight form for corner work or a curved form for following the eyelid contour.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid curved brush is used, then the brush can follow the curvature of the upper lid, but it cannot properly fit the lower lid which has a different curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The brush body is designed with flexible material properties that enable it to be bent into different curvature configurations. Users can manually adjust the brush to match the specific curvature requirements of different eyelids, including both upper and lower lids, by applying gentle bending forces to achieve the desired shape.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable mascara brush with an extendable rod is used, then the brush can be adjusted from straight to curved, but it requires additional components that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the adjustment mechanism directly into the brush handle structure, merging the curvature control function with the existing handle design. This eliminates the need for separate extendable rods or additional adjustment components, achieving straight-to-curved adjustment capability while maintaining a simple, unified structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If a pre-curved applicator is manufactured, then the curvature is fixed during manufacturing, but it cannot be adjusted to conform to a particular user's eyelid curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator utilizes flexible materials that maintain consistent manufacturing precision while enabling post-manufacturing adjustment. The flexible brush body can be bent and shaped by the user to conform to their specific eyelid curvature, allowing customization without requiring complex manufacturing processes or multiple pre-curved variants.
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
Provides ease of use and adaptability to individual user needs, allowing precise control over the curvature of the applicator for improved application and removal of cosmetics and care products, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator element may be molded as a single piece from an elastically deformable material
Implementation Method 2
using an elastic material and a biasing member to facilitate controlled curvature adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally is an adjustable applicator employed for application of a cosmetic or a care product such as for application of mascara, coloring strands of hair, for dental flossing or for applying pharmaceuticals or cleaning agents. The invention discloses an adjustable applicator comprising an applicator element having a bore, a filament wherein the filament is housed inside the bore of the applicator element and a clasping means wherein the applicator element angularly deforms when a force is applied on the clasping means. Also disclosed is a device for packaging and dispensing a substance comprising said adjustable applicator.