Cantilevered Cosmetic Applicator Assembly for Simple Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cosmetic applicator design requires complex mold structures and troublesome assembly processes due to undercuts and bending of the brush member, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inconsistent brush bristle exposure.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic applicator design where the brush member is cantilevered on the comb member, with U-shaped bearings at the front and rear end portions of the applicator body, allowing for simple mold formation and easy assembly without undercuts, ensuring consistent brush bristle exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the comb member is injection-molded with attaching holes forming undercuts, then the brush member can be fixed to the comb member, but the mold structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional attachment approach by making the comb member (applicator body) hollow instead of adding protruding attaching holes. The brush member's core wire stem is inserted into this hollow space from the rear end, eliminating the need for complex undercut molds while achieving reliable fixation. This inversion transforms a problematic forward-protruding attachment structure into a simple rearward-insertion structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the attachment dimension from front-end or side attachment to rear-end attachment. By providing the hollow space at the rear end of the applicator body and inserting the core wire stem from the rear, the design avoids creating undercuts in the injection molding process, simplifying the mold structure while maintaining secure fixation.
2Reliability
If the brush member is bent to fit into the applicator body, then the brush member can be attached to the comb member, but the assembly process becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the brush member to fit into a pre-formed structure, the invention inverts the approach by creating a hollow receptacle in the applicator body that naturally receives the straight brush member. The core wire stem is simply inserted into the hollow space without any bending or deformation, dramatically simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow space is pre-formed in the applicator body during injection molding, creating a ready-to-receive structure for the brush member's core wire stem. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations like bending or deforming components during the assembly process.
3Reliability
If the brush member is bent beyond its elastic limit, then the brush member can be fitted into the applicator body, but plastic deformation occurs and brush bristle exposure becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the fitting approach: instead of forcing the brush member into a tight space that requires bending, it provides a hollow space that naturally accommodates the core wire stem. This eliminates plastic deformation and ensures consistent brush bristle exposure while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameter by creating a hollow space with dimensions that accommodate the core wire stem without requiring deformation. This parameter change ensures that the brush member can be inserted in its natural state, preventing plastic deformation and maintaining manufacturing precision for consistent brush bristle exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
The cosmetic applicator includes an applying portion in which a comb member including comb teeth provided on a lower surface of a semi-cylindrical applicator body open upward, and a brush member including a brush bristle body around a core wire stem, are integrated coaxially. In the applying portion, tip ends of brush bristles of the brush bristle body are flush with and in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the body, a core wire stem front end portion engages with a bearing open downward at a front end side of the body, a core wire stem rear end portion is fixed to a bearing open upward at a rear end side of the body, and accordingly, the brush member is cantilevered on the comb member.