Cosmetic Applicator Surface Roughness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic product applicators lack optimal surface roughness and interaction with makeup areas, leading to inefficient product transfer and applicator longevity issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing cosmetic product applicators with a specific surface roughness, characterized by an arithmetic average height between 15.0 and 30.0 µm, achieved through additive synthesis and post-processing techniques like powder bed fusion and sandblasting, to enhance contact friction and product transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional applicators with smooth surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple and成本低, but product transfer efficiency is poor and applicator longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface roughness parameter of the applicator from conventional smooth surfaces (Ra < 10 µm) to a controlled rough surface (Ra = 15-30 µm). This parameter change optimizes the balance between manufacturing feasibility and product transfer efficiency, allowing the applicator to effectively pick up and deposit cosmetic products while maintaining manufacturing practicality through established sandblasting processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sandblasting treatment is applied as a preliminary action during the manufacturing process to pre-establish the optimal surface roughness before the applicator enters service. This preliminary surface preparation ensures that the applicator is pre-conditioned for optimal product transfer performance, eliminating the need for field adjustments or repeated gestures by users.
2Productivity
If surface roughness is increased to improve product transfer, then contact friction with makeup area improves, but large cavities may trap product and reduce applicator lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the surface roughness parameter within the range Ra = 15-30 µm and limits maximum pit depth to less than 200 µm. This parameter optimization creates sufficient surface irregularities to enhance product transfer through increased contact friction with eyelashes, eyebrows, or lips, while preventing excessive cavities that would trap product and cause premature wear. The controlled parameter range achieves the optimal balance between productivity and durability.
3Productivity
If additive synthesis with controlled surface roughness is used, then product transfer efficiency improves, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sandblasting treatment is integrated as a standard preliminary step in the additive manufacturing process workflow. By establishing the surface roughness control procedure as part of the baseline manufacturing process, the patent avoids creating a complex multi-step post-processing regimen. The process complexity is managed by incorporating surface preparation into the standard manufacturing sequence rather than adding separate complex treatment stages.
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 method results in improved product transfer efficiency, reduced repetition of makeup gestures, and extended applicator lifespan by optimizing surface roughness and contact area, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator is manufactured by additive synthesis, preferably by powder bed fusion
Implementation Method 2
sandblasting
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4D
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
The cosmetic product applicator (1) has an arithmetic mean height Sa of a surface of the applicator in at least one portion A of the applicator that is strictly greater than 10.0 μm, this height being calculated in accordance with the following formula: in which: A is the portion of the applicator in question, and x, y and z represent the coordinates of the surface of the applicator in an orthogonal system of Cartesian coordinates, with z corresponding to a measurement axis of the height.