Molded Applicator Thin Projections for Mascara Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mascara brushes have drawbacks such as sharp metal components that can injure eyes, entangle eyelashes, and fail to apply a homogeneous layer of mascara effectively due to inadequate combing and reception capacity, despite attempts to improve these issues through design modifications.
Innovation Solution
A molded brush applicator with application elements, such as tines, that feature thin projections extending perpendicularly from a D-shaped base, allowing for better lash separation and mascara application, manufactured using injection molding with specific air vent design to produce thin projections for improved mascara distribution and lash curling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tines are disposed at smaller mutual separations to increase mascara reception capacity, then the amount of mascara received is sufficient, but the combing effect is inadequate since eyelashes cannot sufficiently penetrate between the tines
Solution Approach 1:
The application element is divided into multiple thin projections (first, second, and third projections) extending from the D-shaped base, creating multiple separate contact points with eyelashes. This segmentation allows each projection to independently interact with individual lashes, providing both sufficient mascara reception on each projection and adequate space between projections for lash penetration and combing action.
2Device complexity
If conventional twisted wire brushes are used, then the structure is simple, but sharp metal components can injure eyes and cause allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful metal wire core and twisted wire structure are completely removed from the applicator design. The invention uses a molded support with application elements made from safe, non-metallic materials that can be injection molded, eliminating the risk of eye injury and allergic reactions while maintaining structural integrity through the molded support design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable molded applicator where the entire brush including support and application elements is designed as a single-use unit. This eliminates the need for durable metal components that could cause harm, as the entire applicator is replaced after use, ensuring safety while maintaining functional effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If conventional twisted wire brushes with long tufts of bristles are used, then the structure is simple, but bristles entangle eyelashes and have unsuitable hardness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using long continuous tufts of bristles that entangle lashes, the invention segments the application surface into multiple discrete thin projections. Each projection is short and narrowly spaced, allowing eyelashes to pass between them individually rather than being caught in long bristle tufts, thus eliminating entanglement while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The application elements are designed as thin, flexible projections made from molded material that can bend and conform to individual eyelash shapes without exerting excessive force. This flexibility allows the thin projections to gently separate and curl lashes without the rigid, damaging force of conventional hard bristles.
Data Source
AI summary
An application element and an applicator comprising pluralities of said application elements on a molded support is provided for applying a product such as a cosmetic, a medicinal or a care product. At least one application element of the applicator includes a base portion and at least one thin projection. The thin projection includes at least one surface and wherein the at least one outer surface flushes with at least a portion of an outer surface of the base portion.