Adjustable Wiping Element for Cosmetic Applicator Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging and application devices for makeup and care products, such as those for eyelashes and eyebrows, face issues with maintaining the elasticity of wiping members over time due to stress during storage, leading to uneven application and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A packaging and application device featuring an adjustment member with a limiting element that prevents excessive deformation of the wiping member, allowing for adjustable wiping degrees without stretching, and an optional wiping ring with undulations to facilitate easy deployment and maintain performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the wiping member is made of elastically deformable material to enable adjustment of wiping degree, then the wiping member can be deformed to modify passage section, but it risks losing elasticity by being kept under stress during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable wiping degreeVSAvoidelasticity retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping member is designed as an elastically deformable component that can dynamically change its configuration between a stored state (where it maintains a passage section allowing applicator insertion) and a wiping state (where it deforms to wrap around and wipe the applicator). This dynamic adaptability enables the same component to serve multiple functions while maintaining reliability through elastic recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage section of the wiping member is adjustable by modifying its deformation state. When the wiping member is in its initial configuration, it provides a first passage section that allows the applicator to pass through. When deformed, it provides a second passage section that enables the wiping action. This parameter change approach allows versatile wiping adjustment without permanent deformation that would compromise elasticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the adjustment means uses a non-centered and/or non-circular orifice to modify passage section, then the wiping member is never constrained, but the passage section is not circular which can lead to uneven wiping of the applicator element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiping member performanceVSAvoiduniformity of wiping

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping member is designed with a substantially circular passage section in its deformed state, ensuring uniform wiping across the applicator element. The circular geometry allows the wiping surface to make consistent contact with the applicator around its entire circumference, providing even distribution of the cosmetic product without the unevenness that would result from non-circular orifices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the deformable portion is made to deploy without stretching to maintain elasticity, then the wiping member preserves performance over time, but the deformation capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelasticity retentionVSAvoiddeformation range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping member is divided into a deformable portion and a rigid portion. The deformable portion is designed to flex and change configuration without stretching, while the rigid portion maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows the wiping member to achieve the necessary deformation for wiping while preserving elasticity through controlled flexing of the deformable section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable portion is positioned within or alongside the rigid portion, allowing it to nest and deform within the constraints provided by the rigid structure. This nested arrangement enables the deformable portion to achieve the required configuration changes for wiping without excessive stretching, while the rigid portion provides support to maintain elasticity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 device provides consistent and adjustable wiping capabilities, preserving the performance of the wiping member over time and accommodating various applicator sizes, ensuring effective and gentle application without damaging the applicator elements.

Implementation Method 1

the wiping member can be arranged to deploy without stretching circumferentially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1797790B1Device for storing and applying comprising an adjustable wiping element

Publication Date: 2010.09.01 LOREAL SA

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Figure 7~16

AI summary

The device has an adjusting unit (4) movable relative to a spinning unit (20) and arranged for acquiring two positions without constraining a deformable portion (36) of the spinning unit at rest. The deformation of the deformable portion is limited by a limiting element (18) of the adjusting unit during passage of an application element e.g. mascara brush, through the deformable portion and the deformation is not or less limited, when the adjusting unit is in corresponding position.