Compact Mascara Applicator With Precision Tooth Dimensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicators for applying mascara to eyelashes are not satisfactory, particularly for short eyelashes, as they often fail to provide accurate application and can obstruct the field of vision, and are not adaptable to various lash lengths.

Innovation Solution

A compact applicator with a core and teeth that are specifically designed to be less than 6 mm in diameter over 70% of its length, featuring teeth with lengths between 0.5 mm to 1.8 mm and thicknesses between 0.2 mm to 0.65 mm, allowing for precise application without obstructing the view and accommodating different lash lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the applicator diameter is reduced to less than 6 mm, then the applicator can apply makeup to short eyelashes without obstructing the field of vision, but the core section must be maintained to avoid excessive flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicator compactnessVSAvoidcore flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the core section dimensions (maintaining a minimum section of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm) and tooth dimensions (length 0.5-1.8 mm, thickness 0.2-0.65 mm) to achieve the optimal balance between applicator compactness and structural reliability, ensuring the core has sufficient rigidity while the overall applicator remains compact at less than 6 mm diameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If the teeth are made shorter (0.5 mm to 1.8 mm), then the applicator can reach short eyelashes more effectively, but the teeth must maintain sufficient thickness to provide structural support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooth lengthVSAvoidtooth structural support
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the tooth dimensions within specific ranges (length 0.5-1.8 mm and thickness 0.2-0.65 mm) to simultaneously achieve the ability to reach short eyelashes while maintaining sufficient structural support, with the thickness parameter specifically tuned to provide the necessary strength for the reduced tooth length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the applicator is made more compact, then the field of vision obstruction is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain core integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicator sizeVSAvoidcore section dimensional control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining precise dimensional ranges for the core section (0.8 mm to 1.5 mm) and overall applicator diameter (less than 6 mm, preferably 5.5 mm or less) to achieve compactness while establishing clear manufacturing precision requirements that ensure core integrity is maintained during production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2211663B1Mascara applicator
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 LOREAL SA
  • EP2211663B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2211663B1 patent drawingFigure 4~18
  • EP2211663B1 patent drawingFigure 11b~13c

AI summary

The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows and/or for applying a composition thereto, the applicator comprising a molded applicator member (8), comprising: • a core having a longitudinal axis; and • teeth that extend outwards from the core, the majority of the teeth having a length lying in the range 0.5 mm to 1.8 mm; the applicator member (8) having a greatest transverse dimension, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, that is strictly less than 6 mm, on at least 70% of the length of the applicator member.