Applicator Core Wiping Mechanism for Residue Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicator assemblies for cosmetic products, such as mascara, often leave residue on the free end of the applicator due to ineffective removal by the wiper, leading to unsightly cosmetic product deposits and reduced application quality.

Innovation Solution

The applicator core is designed to brush past the wiper in multiple distinct regions with slight play or friction, ensuring that excess cosmetic product residue is sheared off and remains within the receptacle, maintaining the applicator's cleanliness and preventing overloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a wiper is attached within the neck to scrape excess cosmetic product from the rod and applicator, then the amount of product on the brush is controlled and excessive application is prevented, but cosmetic product residue remains on the free end of the applicator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of cosmetic product on applicatorVSAvoidcosmetic product residue on free end

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The core is given a non-cylindrical shape (rounded portion, flattened portion, or grooves) that creates multiple contact points with the wiper in different regions, transforming a single-dimensional wiping action into a multi-dimensional shearing action that effectively removes residue from the free end

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the core is designed to brush past the wiper in multiple distinct regions, then cosmetic product residue is sheared off and the applicator remains clean, but the wiper structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic product residue removalVSAvoidapplicator core structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core geometry is modified by changing parameters such as adding rounded portions, flattened portions, or grooves at specific locations, which creates the desired multi-region brushing effect without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design effectively limits cosmetic product residue on the applicator's free end, ensuring precise application and preventing excessive product from being applied to the eyelashes.

Implementation Method 1

there is a shearing effect on the cosmetic product residue present on said second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShearing: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS9468282B2Applicator assembly comprising a receptacle for a cosmetic product and an applicator sub-assembly

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

AI summary

An applicator assembly comprising a receptacle for a cosmetic product and an applicator sub-assembly, the applicator sub-assembly comprising an applicator and a rod, the applicator comprising a core having a first end capable of being attached to said rod, and a second, free end, said receptacle comprising a wiper for wiping some of the product on the rod and/or the applicator, the core being designed to brush past the wiper in a plurality of distinct regions.