Alternating Height Mascara Applicator Protuberances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mascara applicators lack sufficient cosmetic product loading, flexibility, and ease of application while providing limited make-up effects.

Innovation Solution

The applicator features alternating longitudinal rows of protuberances with varying heights, where one row increases in height and the other decreases, creating storage and make-up areas for enhanced eyelash combing and volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If plastic injection molding is used to create original shapes for special make-up effects, then make-up effect versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemake-up effect versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator features alternating longitudinal rows of protuberances with different height variations - first rows with rectilinear increase and second rows with rectilinear decrease - creating localized functional zones for different make-up effects (combing, volumizing, lengthening) within a single molded structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator surface is segmented into multiple longitudinal rows of protuberances with alternating height patterns, dividing the single structure into distinct functional zones that provide various make-up effects simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If alternating rows of protuberances with varying heights are created, then cosmetic product loading and restitution are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic product loadingVSAvoidprotuberance height precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for protuberance heights (increase between 0.05-0.2mm per step, ratio 0.5%-10%) and alternating patterns, optimizing cosmetic product loading while providing clear manufacturing guidelines to control precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250204675A1Applicator for cosmetic product, in particular mascara, and associated applicator assembly

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

AI summary

An applicator cosmetic product includes a core and a plurality of protuberances. The core extends along a longitudinal extension direction from a first end (e.g., a proximal end) towards a second, opposite free end (e.g., a distal end). The protuberances project from the core towards an opposite free end. The protuberances can be arranged in a plurality of first longitudinal rows regularly distributed around the core, and in a plurality of second longitudinal rows regularly distributed around the core and alternating regularly with the first longitudinal rows. The first longitudinal rows have, along the core, a rectilinear increase in the height of the protuberances from the proximal end towards a distal portion. The second longitudinal rows have, along the core, a rectilinear decrease in the height of the protuberances from the proximal end towards the distal portion.