Cosmetic Applicator Anti-Contamination Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic composition applicators are prone to contamination by external bacteria and cosmetic composition, leading to poor hygiene and aesthetic degradation, as they absorb water and pigments, and are difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an anti-contamination layer with a dry polyurethane sheet on top of a wet polyurethane layer, which is impermeable and hydrophobic, preventing absorption of contaminants and moisture, and maintaining a clean state by easily removing contaminants with a tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the applicator uses a sponge material to apply cosmetic composition, then the application function is improved, but the applicator absorbs water and pigments leading to contamination and discoloration
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into functionally distinct segments: a hydrophilic application layer for cosmetic application and a hydrophobic anti-contamination layer for protection. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between application effectiveness and hygiene maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the applicator are given different material properties: the application layer is made hydrophilic to absorb and apply cosmetic composition, while the anti-contamination layer is made hydrophobic to repel water and pigments. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous achievement of good application function and resistance to contamination.
2Ease of operation
If the applicator is embedded in a container for portable use, then convenience is improved, but the applicator is contaminated by bacteria and cosmetic composition during storage and use
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic anti-contamination layer is applied in advance to the applicator surface before use. This preliminary protective action prevents bacterial and cosmetic composition contamination from occurring during storage and transport, allowing the applicator to maintain hygiene while being embedded in a portable container.
3Productivity
If the applicator material absorbs cosmetic composition, then application performance is improved, but the cosmetic composition cannot be removed by washing leading to aesthetic degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is segmented into an application layer that absorbs cosmetic composition for good application performance and a separate anti-contamination layer that repels cosmetic composition for easy cleanability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the absorption function from the contamination retention problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface energy parameters of the applicator are changed by applying a hydrophobic coating, transforming the surface from one that absorbs water and pigments to one that repels them. This parameter change maintains the bulk absorption capability for application while preventing surface retention that causes aesthetic degradation.
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 anti-contamination layer effectively prevents bacterial contamination and cosmetic composition absorption on non-application surfaces, ensuring the applicator remains clean and hygienic, maintaining aesthetic appearance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an impermeable sheet which is made of at least one selected from polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene and polymers of polyethylene and polypropylene
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition applicator including an anti-contamination layer including an impermeable sheet. The applicator, according to the present invention, can prevent contamination and discoloration by a cosmetic composition or external influences caused by germs and the like, and thus is easy to use and hygienic.