Cosmetic Applicator Clamping Ring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic applicators face issues with adhesive breakdown when exposed to cosmetic products containing volatile compounds and mechanical fastening systems that are complex and prone to wear, leading to inadequate retention of the applicator member.
Innovation Solution
A holding and fastening system featuring a clamping ring that compresses a part of the applicator member's mounting foot, providing enhanced friction and resistance to sideways and tensile forces, with clip-fastening mechanisms for easy assembly and potential replacement of the applicator member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive bonding is used to fasten the applicator member to the mounting element, then the applicator member can be easily retained during assembly, but the adhesive breaks down when exposed to cosmetic products containing volatile compounds, leading to inadequate retention over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive bonding system with a mechanical fastening system. The applicator member is retained through a combination of friction fit within a housing and snap-fastening elements that engage with complementary features on the mounting element, eliminating the need for adhesives that degrade upon exposure to cosmetic products.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional components: a housing that provides frictional retention, snap-fastening elements for secure attachment, and a mounting element with complementary engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to the overall retention mechanism without relying on degradable adhesive materials.
2Reliability
If mechanical retention fastening is used to fasten the applicator member, then the retention is improved, but the fastening system becomes complex and the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into an integrated system where the housing, snap-fastening elements, and mounting features work together as a unified assembly. The housing provides frictional retention while the snap-fastening elements provide secure attachment, both incorporated into a single fastening system that maintains reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides frictional retention through its internal surface, contains the snap-fastening elements, and guides the applicator member into proper positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall fastening system while maintaining reliable retention.
3Reliability
If mechanical retention fastening is used to fasten the applicator member, then the retention is improved, but the fastening becomes worn and fragile due to numerous back-and-forth sideways movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the fastening system by using elastic or resilient materials for the snap-fastening elements and housing. This allows the fastening system to deform elastically during sideways movements and return to its original position, preventing wear and fatigue that would occur with rigid mechanical fasteners subjected to repeated lateral stresses.
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 solution ensures robust retention of the applicator member, resisting application forces and maintaining product integrity, while simplifying the assembly process and allowing for easy replacement of the applicator member.
Implementation Method 1
at least one complementary clamping ring that compresses a part of the mounting foot that is situated at a non-zero distance from a base surface of said mounting foot, such that the compressed part has a reduced cross section
Implementation Method 2
providing enhanced friction and resistance to sideways and tensile forces
Implementation Method 3
The applicator member (5) is made from an elastic or resilient material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an applicator (4) for applying a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator member (5) defining an application surface that is intended to come into contact with a body surface of a user and is in the form of a block of deformable material, said applicator member being mounted on a gripping member (41) by way of at least one holding and fastening system comprising at least one peripheral skirt (42) that defines, with an end wall (43), a housing for receiving a mounting foot of the applicator member, characterized in that the holding and fastening system comprises at least one complementary clamping ring (70) that is able to compress a part of the mounting foot that is situated at a non-zero distance from a base surface of said mounting foot, said base surface being oriented towards the end wall of the holding and fastening system when the applicator member is disposed in the housing of the holding and fastening system, the clamping ring having at least one clip-fastening means that is able to cooperate with at least one complementary clip- fastening means (46) of the peripheral skirt of the holding and fastening system.