Coated Cosmetic Sponges with Phase Change Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic sponges lack desirable haptic properties that provide a cooling sensation while maintaining their ability to effectively apply and remove cosmetics from the skin without interfering with their primary function.
Innovation Solution
A coated sponge with a cured layer of a solid, water-insoluble elastomeric non-silicone polymer containing a silicone polymer with high kinematic viscosity and encapsulated phase change material, which imparts improved haptic properties and enhances the transfer of cosmetics to the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a coating is applied to the sponge to impart cooling sensation, then haptic properties are improved, but cosmetic transfer efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is applied only to the surface of the sponge rather than throughout the entire structure, providing cooling sensation only where contact with skin occurs. This localized application maintains the bulk sponge's ability to absorb and transfer cosmetics while adding the desired haptic cooling property at the interface with the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating combines multiple materials (polymer matrix, phase change material particles, and silicone polymer) to achieve both cooling sensation and cosmetic transfer. The phase change material provides thermal regulation while the polymer matrix and silicone components maintain appropriate surface properties for cosmetic pickup and release.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If phase change material is encapsulated in the coating, then thermal cooling persistence is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating utilizes phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states at skin temperature ranges. This phase transition absorbs and releases thermal energy, providing persistent cooling sensation. The encapsulated PCM melts at body temperature, absorbing heat from the skin, and can be replenished by contact with cooler environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge with coating is designed as a single-use or limited-use product. The coating provides cooling for the duration of typical cosmetic application (minutes to hours), after which the sponge is discarded. This disposable approach avoids the complexity of rechargeable or regenerable cooling systems.
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 coated sponge offers enhanced haptic properties, improved cosmetic transfer efficiency, and increased thermal cooling persistence, reducing sliding resistance and adhesive tack, making it suitable for both cosmetic and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
particles of an encapsulated phase change material, the phase change material having a melting or glass transition temperature of 25 to 37° C.
Implementation Method 2
The lotions contain phase change materials such as low-melting waxes and other low melting polymers
Implementation Method 3
at least one silicone polymer having a kinematic viscosity of at least 1 million mm2/s at 25° C. and/or a Williams plasticity number of at least 30
Implementation Method 4
a cured coating of a solid, water-insoluble, elastomeric non-silicone polymer adhered to at least one surface of the sponge
Data Source
AI summary
Sponges for cosmetic and/or medicinal applications are coated with a surface coating. The surface coating contains an elastomeric, non-silicone polymer, a certain silicone polymer, an encapsulated phase change material and optionally ceramic particles. The coated sponges have desirable haptic properties and efficiently absorb and release make-up and medicines for application to the skin.