Angled Mascara Applicator with Cleaning Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara applicators are difficult to use for applying mascara to the lashes of the eye opposite the dominant hand, due to the wand's design that makes it hard to maneuver around the nose, leading to uneven application and clumping. Additionally, traditional mascara containers do not allow for even distribution of mascara on the brush, making it hard to determine the remaining product and leading to wastage.
Innovation Solution
The improved mascara applicator features a brush angled between 80 to 135 degrees from the wand, with a tip end and a ball end, allowing for easier application to both eyes without obstruction from the nose. The applicator also includes integrated eyelash tools for separation and even distribution. The container has a rectangular opening with cleaning elements to redistribute mascara evenly on the brush, allowing users to visualize the remaining product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wand applicator is designed with a linear brush configuration (180 degrees from wand), then the applicator structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to maneuver around the nose when applying mascara to the eye opposite the dominant hand
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is attached to the wand at an angle between 80 to 135 degrees rather than a linear 180-degree configuration. This asymmetric attachment creates a T-shaped or L-shaped applicator that allows the brush to reach the inner corner of the eye opposite the dominant hand without being blocked by the nose, while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The brush is positioned to extend perpendicular to or at an angle from the wand, creating a two-dimensional configuration rather than a linear one. This dimensional change allows the applicator to navigate around the nasal obstruction and access all lash areas effectively
2Ease of operation
If the brush tip is positioned away from the tear duct side of the eye, then the applicator can be held parallel to lashes, but coating the small lashes near the tear duct becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The angled brush configuration allows the applicator to be positioned with the brush tip directed toward the tear duct side of the eye while maintaining a comfortable hand position. This asymmetric arrangement enables access to all lash areas including the small lashes near the tear duct without requiring the user to twist or cross their hand
3Ease of manufacture
If the mascara container is cylindrical with a wand applicator, then the container design is simple, but mascara distribution on the brush becomes uneven with more product at the tip and less at the base
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes a cleaning element positioned at the opening that automatically removes excess mascara from the brush before application. This preliminary action ensures even mascara distribution across the entire brush surface, preventing clumping and ensuring uniform application while maintaining a simple cylindrical container design
4Ease of operation
If the brush tip has more mascara product, then application to the eye is easier, but clumping occurs and even distribution is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element at the container opening performs a preliminary action by removing excess mascara from the brush tip before application. This ensures that the brush has even mascara distribution across its entire surface, preventing clumping while maintaining ease of application
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning element automatically redistributes and evens out the mascara on the brush as it is inserted into or removed from the container. This self-service mechanism ensures uniform mascara distribution without requiring user intervention or additional tools
Data Source
AI summary
A mascara applicator having a brush with a pair of opposed free ends disposed as eyelash tools, with a first eyelash separating tool disposed as a non-bristle tip made of a resilient, non-absorbent and flexible material, the brush attached to a wand of the applicator such that the applicator has a T-shape, L-shape, or hockey stick shape and attached such that the eyelash tools are unobstructed by the wand. A container for the applicator has a rectangular lateral cross section and a window to allow visualization of a mascara product quantity stored therein, with a plurality of cleaning elements positioned at an opening of the container adapted to remove and redistribute mascara on the brush as the applicator is removed from the container. A method of use of the applicator and container are included.