Cosmetic Applicator Guide Groove Extension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic applicators with extendable and retractable shafts require rotating the cap for extension and retraction, making them cumbersome to use and store.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic applicator design featuring a guide groove system with non-collinear longitudinal and transverse grooves allows for easy extension and retraction of the shaft without the need for rotation, using semicylindrically shaped projections for secure engagement and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the shaft is made extendable and retractable using threadedly engaged cap, then the shaft can be extended to the desired length, but the cap must be rotated for both extension and retraction which is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is segmented into multiple sections: a first longitudinal groove extending from the tip to a first transverse groove, and a second longitudinal groove extending from the second transverse groove to the tip. These segmented grooves guide the shaft through discrete extension and retraction positions, enabling length adjustment without rotational operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from rotational movement (threaded engagement) to linear axial movement (guide grooves). The shaft moves along the axial dimension within the guide grooves rather than rotating the cap, fundamentally changing the operational dimension from rotational to translational.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the applying portion is positioned above the bottom of the container when cap is closed, then deformation is prevented, but it becomes difficult to completely use up all of the cosmetic
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed to be dynamically adjustable in length. When the cap is closed, the shaft can be extended beyond its retracted position, allowing the applying portion to reach the bottom of the container and retrieve remaining cosmetic without compromising the stability of the applicator structure.
3Ease of operation
If the shaft is extended to maximum length for use, then comfort during application is improved, but the cap must be rotated for both extension and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove system is segmented into distinct sections that guide the shaft to specific extension positions. The first longitudinal groove and second longitudinal groove create discrete stopping positions, allowing the shaft to be extended to optimal lengths without requiring complex rotational mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~5(C)
AI summary
A cosmetic applicator capable of being extended and retracted is provided. By providing a shaft (16) having a twofold structure in which there are an outer cylinder (20) having an inner surface on which a projection (22) is provided and an inner cylinder (60) having an outer surface on which a guide groove (76) that guidingly engages with the projection (22) is provided, wherein the guide groove (76) has two transverse grooves (66, 70) that extend in a circumferential direction and a longitudinal groove (68) that extends in an axial direction connecting the two transverse grooves, a cosmetic applicator (2) having a shaft (16) capable of being extended and retracted by causing the projection (22) to ride in the guide groove (76) is provided. Furthermore, the guide groove (76) also has a second transverse groove (64) that is provided at a location different in the circumferential direction from that of the longitudinal groove (68) and that extends in an axial direction, from that transverse groove (66) which of the two transverse grooves (66, 70) is nearer a tip having an applying portion (8), to the tip, removable attachment of the outer cylinder (20) at which the applying portion (8) is present being easy.