Adjustable Cosmetic Applicator With Flexible Accordion Joint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mascara applicators have a straight handle and brush arrangement, leading to unstable makeup application postures and reduced application efficiency due to the need for users to raise their arms to apply mascara evenly.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable cosmetic applicator featuring a handle unit, a rod unit, and an applying unit connected by a flexible portion with an accordion structure, allowing the brush rod to be angled relative to the rod unit, enabling users to adjust the application angle according to their preference or habit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle and brush are arranged in a straight line, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user must raise her arm to shoulder height to apply mascara evenly, causing unstable posture and bad make-up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the handle and brush flexible rather than rigid. The flexible portion allows the brush to move relative to the handle, enabling the brush to be positioned at various angles (0° to 120°) to match different user arm positions and application needs, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the angle between the handle and brush to vary dynamically. The flexible portion enables the brush angle to change from 0° to 120° based on user preference and application requirements, transforming a fixed geometric parameter into an adjustable one that adapts to different usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the brush is fixed at a specific angle, then the structure is stable and simple, but it cannot adapt to different user applying habits or preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible portion introduces dynamic adaptability to the applicator, allowing the brush angle to change from 0° to 120° based on user preference and application needs. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to different user habits without requiring a complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible portion with an accordion structure (pleats) that allows the brush to move relative to the handle. This flexible connection enables angle adjustment while maintaining structural integrity, achieving adaptability without significant complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 adjustable design allows for more natural and comfortable application of cosmetic liquids, reducing the strain on the user and improving the application process by allowing the brush to be angled between 0° to 120°, enhancing the application experience.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible portion interconnects the rod and the brush rod such that the applying unit may be rotated relative to the rod unit with the brush central axis angled relative to the rod central axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the flexible portion has an accordion structure with a plurality of spaced apart pleats

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccordion structure: Folding

Data Source

PatentUS9907387B2Straw-type adjustable cosmetic applicator
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 MELO R&D LLC
  • US9907387B2 patent drawing
  • US9907387B2 patent drawing
  • US9907387B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustable cosmetic applicator including a handle unit with a rod unit coupled thereto and defining a rod with a rod central axis. An applying unit includes a brush rod with a brush central axis and a brush extending from the brush rod. A flexible portion interconnects the rod and the brush rod such that the applying unit may be rotated relative to the rod unit with the brush central axis angled relative to the rod central axis.