Angled Cosmetic Applicator Stem for Particle Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cosmetic applicators fail to evenly disperse suspended particles in cosmetic formulas like glitter or nail polish, as they cannot reach the sides of the bottle to remove adhered particles, leading to uneven applications and ergonomic challenges during self-application.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator with an elongate stem featuring a bend and application bristles, where the stem includes a bar that exhibits plastic deformation, allowing for a plunging and scooping effect to mix and apply the formula, improving ergonomics for use with both hands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional straight applicator is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot reach the sides of the bottle to remove adhered particles, resulting in uneven dispersion of suspended particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevenness of particle dispersionVSAvoidapplicator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator stem is designed with an asymmetric bent configuration instead of a straight symmetric form. The bend allows the applicator to reach angled surfaces and corners of the container, enabling removal of adhered particles from sides that a straight applicator cannot access, thus improving particle dispersion uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator transitions from a one-dimensional straight line to a multi-dimensional bent structure. This dimensional change enables the applicator to access three-dimensional spaces within the container, including angled surfaces and corners, thereby improving its ability to remove adhered particles from various locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional straight applicator is used, then the structure is simple, but it creates ergonomic challenges during self-application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic useVSAvoidapplicator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bent stem creates an asymmetric angle that ergonomically positions the applicator head relative to the user's hand and the container. This angular configuration allows for more natural hand positioning and better control during self-application, reducing ergonomic strain compared to a straight applicator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The bent stem design provides dynamic adaptability in the applicator's orientation and angle during use. This allows the user to naturally adjust the applicator's position and angle to match different application scenarios and hand positions, enhancing ease of operation during self-application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the bar is bent at a large angle, then access to the formula is improved, but the structural integrity and stability of the applicator may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to formulaVSAvoidstem structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bend angle is optimized within a specific range (5-30 degrees) to balance accessibility and structural integrity. This parameter optimization ensures that the applicator achieves sufficient access to the formula while maintaining adequate structural strength and stability for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 applicator ensures an evenly dispersed coat of suspended particles and enhances ergonomic use by allowing better access to the formula, promoting efficient application and mixing of high pigment particles.

Implementation Method 1

The bar may be configured to exhibit plastic deformation, and wherein the bar may be bent past plastic deformation in proximity to an intersection between the first stem segment and the second stem segment such that the second stem segment is disposed at the angle to the first stem segment.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9943158B2Applicator with angled stem section
Publication Date: 2018.04.17 LOREAL SA
  • US9943158B2 patent drawing
  • US9943158B2 patent drawing
  • US9943158B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Cosmetic formula applicators with angled stem sections are provided for improved ergonomics and to aid in the evenly dispersed coating of a cosmetic material having suspended particles. In general, examples of the applicators described herein generally include a stem including a bore, a bar, and a plurality of application bristles configured to retain an amount of the cosmetic formula for application to a user. The bar may be positioned at an intermediate location within the bore and may include a bend to cause an angle in the stem. In another aspect, the cosmetic formula applicators with angled stem sections are configured for coupling to a cap for use with a container.