Eyelash Applicator Bridge Spikes Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicators for applying cosmetic products to eyelashes and eyebrows are uncomfortable due to stiffness and lack of autonomy, failing to effectively separate lashes/eyebrows during application.

Innovation Solution

A flexible applicator design featuring a central bridge with spikes arranged longitudinally between two branches, allowing for better lash/eyebrow separation and increased product capacity, enhancing comfort and application efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a central branch is used to connect longitudinal branches, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates and application comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidapplication comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the central branch from the applicator structure, extracting the element that caused stiffness. The longitudinal branches are connected directly without a central connecting element, thereby eliminating the source of rigidity while maintaining structural integrity through the bridge of material and spike arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters by eliminating the central branch and modifying the connection method between longitudinal branches. This parameter change transforms the applicator from a rigid structure to a flexible one, improving application comfort while maintaining necessary structural stability through alternative design elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If spikes are arranged to separate eyelashes/eyebrows, then application precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the applicator into distinct functional elements: longitudinal branches, a bridge of material, and multiple spikes arranged in rows. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - the branches provide structure, the bridge provides flexibility and product reservoir, and the spikes provide separation precision - while keeping the overall design relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating separation functionality at specific spike locations rather than distributing it uniformly. The spikes are strategically positioned to target specific separation points on the eyelashes/eyebrows, providing precise separation where needed without complicating the entire applicator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If a cavity is formed between branches, then product capacity is improved, but structural simplicity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct capacityVSAvoidstructural simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the product reservoir function with the structural framework by forming the cavity between the longitudinal branches themselves. The bridge of material serves dual purposes: it provides structural connection and defines the cavity space for product storage. This merging approach increases product capacity without significantly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge of material serves multiple functions: it connects the longitudinal branches, provides flexibility to the applicator, and defines the cavity space for product storage. This multi-functionality allows the structure to accommodate increased product capacity without adding separate components that would complicate the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3541229B1Applicator for the eyelashes and/or eyebrows
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 LOREAL SA
  • EP3541229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3541229B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3541229B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising an applicator member (8) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising: – at least two branches joined together at their two ends and between them defining a cavity (24), - at least one bridge of material extending at least partially into the cavity (24) between the two branches and bearing at least two spikes arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction.