Cosmetic Applicator Spatula Flocking Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic application tools with electrostatic flocking on flat spatulas experience peeling of flock due to high friction with wiping parts, leading to damage and impairment of the tool's function during repeated use.
Innovation Solution
The cosmetic applicator features a wide, flat spatula with electrostatic flocking on the application portion, a columnar root portion, and a projecting portion that deforms into a plate shape, with a smooth, non-flocked area between the projecting and root portions to reduce friction and prevent peeling, and the wiping part is designed with a slit to minimize contact and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrostatic flocking is applied to the entire surface of the flat spatula applicator, then cosmetic application performance is improved, but friction with the wiping part causes flock peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrostatic flocking only to the application portion of the spatula while leaving the root portion and projecting portion smooth and non-flocked. This local differentiation allows the flocked area to provide good cosmetic pickup and application performance, while the non-flocked areas reduce friction with the wiping part, preventing flock peeling during use.
2Area of stationary object
If the applicator is designed with a wide flat spatula shape, then cosmetic coverage is improved, but friction with the wiping part increases causing flock damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the wide flat spatula shape for good cosmetic coverage but applies flocking selectively only to the application portion. The root portion and projecting portion remain smooth, which reduces friction with the wiping part and prevents flock damage while preserving the beneficial large contact area for cosmetic application.
3Quantity of substance
If the projecting portion is included in the flocked area, then cosmetic pickup is improved, but friction during withdrawal causes increased peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrostatic flocking to the application portion to ensure good cosmetic pickup, but deliberately excludes the projecting portion from flocking. This allows the applicator to pick up sufficient cosmetic on the flat surface while the smooth projecting portion minimizes friction with the wiping part during withdrawal, reducing peeling damage.
4Manufacturing precision
If masking is applied to protect non-flocked areas, then production precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spatula applicator into distinct functional zones: a flocked application portion and non-flocked root and projecting portions. This segmentation allows for simplified masking during flocking production, as only specific areas need protection rather than complex multi-zone masking, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
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 prevents peeling of the flock during repeated use, maintaining the tool's functionality and simplifying the mass-production process by reducing the complexity of the masking process and ensuring efficient adhesive application.
Implementation Method 1
an application portion (17) in a flat plate shape, and electrostatic flocking is implemented on a surface of the spatula
Implementation Method 2
forming a root portion (16) in a columnar shape attached to a shaft (4), and gradually deforming the columnar root portion (16) and the flat application portion (17) from the columnar shape into the plate shape
Implementation Method 3
frictional force between the part projecting from the shaft and the wiping part is great
Implementation Method 4
damage such as peeling of the flock increases
Data Source
Figure 1~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~4(d)
Figure 5(a)~6
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator in which a surface of a wide, flat spatula projecting from a shaft includes an application portion formed from flock but the flock does not peel due to friction with a wiping part even after repeated use. In a cosmetic applicator in which electrostatic flocking is implemented on a surface of a spatula formed by forming an application portion in a flat plate shape, forming a root portion in a columnar shape attached to a shaft, and gradually deforming the columnar root portion and the flat application portion from the columnar shape into the plate shape, a projecting portion that projects outward beyond an outer diameter of the shaft is formed on the spatula between the root portion and the application portion, and a part not subjected to flocking is provided between the projecting portion and the root portion.