Cosmetic Applicator Bending Zone Wall Scraping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic applicator assemblies struggle to recover a maximum amount of product from the container walls and wiper without damaging the applicator, and are often costly due to complex articulation systems and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a core featuring a bending zone that allows the distal part to pivot and flex, enabling effective scraping of product from the container walls and wiper without damaging the applicator, and is made from a single, cost-effective plastic material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an articulation system (ball joint or flexible portion) is added to the rod to enable scraping of side walls, then the applicator can recover cosmetic product from walls, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rod and applicator into a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate articulation systems. The integrated design allows the applicator to be directly attached to the rod without additional joints or flexible portions, reducing device complexity while maintaining product recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different applicator types without requiring specific articulation mechanisms. The rod's geometry and attachment features enable it to work with various applicator configurations, providing multi-functionality without increasing complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If an articulation system is added to enable scraping of side walls, then cosmetic product can be recovered from walls, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod and applicator are merged into a single molded component, eliminating multiple parts and assembly steps. This single-molding process significantly reduces manufacturing cost compared to producing separate rod, articulation system, and applicator components that would require assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable applicator assembly where the rod and applicator are molded as a single-use unit. This eliminates the need for expensive, durable articulation systems designed for repeated use, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate product recovery function for the product's shelf life.
3Strength
If the applicator is made rigid to maintain structure, then the applicator durability is maintained, but the applicator cannot flex to scrape walls without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rod features local quality variations with different sections having different properties. The proximal portion maintains rigidity for structural support, while the distal portion near the applicator has reduced wall thickness to provide flexibility for wall scraping, allowing both strength and product recovery without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod incorporates a thin-walled structure in its distal section that provides flexibility without compromising overall strength. This thin-film approach allows the rod to bend and flex during wall scraping while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support the applicator and withstand use.
4Ease of operation
If the rod wall thickness is reduced to enable flexing, then the applicator can scrape walls, but the rod strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod employs local quality with varying wall thickness along its length. The proximal section has greater wall thickness for strength, while the distal section has reduced wall thickness for flexibility, optimizing both rod strength and scraping capability in different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is segmented into functional zones with different structural characteristics. The proximal zone provides structural support with thicker walls, while the distal zone enables flexibility with thinner walls, allowing the rod to perform both support and scraping functions effectively.
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 effectively recovers a maximum amount of cosmetic product without damage, extending its usage life and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex articulation systems, while providing a stable and flexible design for efficient product retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
the core comprising at least one bending zone between its distal end and its proximal end, said core having a cross section whose diameter varies with the longitudinal axis (X), the smallest diameter being located at the level of the center of the flexion zone
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator (10) for cosmetic product and to an associated applicator assembly, said applicator (10) comprising a core (12) having a longitudinal axis (X) and having a first end, referred to as the proximal end (22), and a second, free end, referred to as the distal end (32), and also a plurality of protuberances (40), said core being shaped so as to have at least one bending region (50) between its distal end (32) and its proximal end (22), said bending region (50) having a minimum diameter in a portion of the brush that is located more than half-way along the overall length (Lt) of the brush, along the longitudinal axis (X), starting from the proximal end (22).