Cosmetic Applicator Handle with High-Friction Elevated Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cosmetic industry lacks improved cosmetic applicators that provide enhanced grip and functionality, with existing applicators failing to effectively combine ergonomic design with efficient cosmetic application.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic applicator assembly featuring a handle body with an elevated feature material having a kinetic coefficient of friction greater than or equal to 0.55 and a hardness less than or equal to Shore A 70, or vice versa, integrated with a cosmetic applicator to improve grip and application efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elevated feature with high friction material is added to the handle body, then grip security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle body is segmented into two distinct material zones: the base handle body material and the elevated feature material with different friction properties. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function - the base structure provides mechanical support while the elevated feature provides enhanced grip security through superior friction characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated feature is applied locally to specific regions of the handle body where grip contact occurs. By concentrating the high-friction material only in these critical contact zones rather than throughout the entire handle, the design achieves improved grip security while minimizing the addition of complexity and material usage.
2Ease of operation
If elevated features are added to the handle body exterior surface, then grip comfort is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly utilizes a composite construction combining two different materials - the handle body material and the elevated feature material with distinct friction and hardness properties. This composite approach enables optimization of grip comfort through material selection while maintaining manufacturing efficiency by using established composite assembly techniques such as overmolding or adhesive bonding.
3Reliability
If the elevated feature material has high friction and low hardness, then grip security is improved, but material selection constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies target ranges for key material parameters - kinetic coefficient of friction (≥0.55) and Shore A hardness (≤70) - rather than requiring exact values. This parameter-based specification provides flexibility in material selection, allowing engineers to choose from multiple material options that meet the performance criteria while maintaining consistent grip security across different material choices.
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 enhances grip and application efficiency by providing a comfortable and secure hold, allowing for effective application of cosmetics while conveying product benefits through design patterns.
Implementation Method 1
the elevated feature material has a kinetic coefficient of friction of greater than or equal to 0.55
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic applicator assembly includes a handle body having a proximal end, a distal end, a largest width or diameter of from 0.4 inches to 1.25 inches, and an exterior surface, an elevated feature disposed along the exterior surface and extending from 0.007 inches to 0.020 inches above the exterior surface, and a cosmetic applicator coupled to the distal end of the handle body and constructed to apply a cosmetic. The handle body includes a handle body material. The elevated feature include an elevated feature material, wherein the elevated feature material has a kinetic coefficient of friction of greater than or equal to 0.55 and a hardness of less than or equal to Shore A 70, and a hardness that is less than the hardness of the handle body material.