Applicator Elements With Offset Bases For Composition Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for applying cosmetic compositions to eyelashes and eyebrows often leave insufficient composition on the teeth, especially when the applicator is large relative to the wiper orifice, leading to reduced usage time and less intense makeup application, especially with fluid compositions.
Innovation Solution
The applicator design features offset angular bases for the applicator elements, which increases the area of contact with the composition and allows for more composition to remain on the teeth without compromising flexibility or lash separation capabilities, with a cross-section that is flat and wider at a point away from the core, and decreases in thickness towards the end, enabling effective engagement of perpendicular lashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the diameter of the applicator member is increased, then the applicator can cover a larger area, but the amount of composition remaining on the teeth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator elements are given a flat cross-section with width significantly greater than thickness, creating a two-dimensional surface area on the teeth. This dimensional change allows the teeth to hold more composition laterally across their width while maintaining the same applicator diameter, directly resolving the contradiction between coverage area and composition retention.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the amount of composition on the teeth is increased, then usage time is extended, but the flexibility of the applicator member decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator elements have non-uniform cross-sections where the width is significantly greater than the thickness. This local quality difference creates teeth that can hold more composition on their broader surfaces while the reduced thickness maintains flexibility. The composition is held locally on the wide surfaces without requiring the entire applicator structure to be rigid.
3Quantity of substance
If the thickness of the applicator elements is increased to hold more composition, then composition capacity increases, but the ability to separate and engage perpendicular lashes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator elements have an asymmetric cross-section where width is much greater than thickness. This asymmetry allows the teeth to be thin enough to flex and engage perpendicular lashes effectively, while simultaneously being wide enough to hold sufficient composition. The unequal dimensions resolve the contradiction by optimizing each dimension for its specific function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~13D
Figure 10A~16
AI summary
The present invention relates to an applicator (8) for applying a composition (P) to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including: ° an applicator member (8), comprising: ° a core that extends along a longitudinal axis; and ° at least three rows of applicator elements that are molded with at least one portion of the core, the rows extending longitudinally along the core, and being arranged around the longitudinal axis of the core, the applicator elements being of cross-section that is flat, having a major axis that is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core, at least two applicator elements having bases that are offset angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) of the core and being superposed, at least in part, when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis (X).