Concavity Eyelash Applicator with Embedded Spikes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mascara and eyebrow applicators lack efficient distribution and retention of product, leading to suboptimal application and loading of lashes and brows, with a need for improved design to enhance product loading and separation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A moulded applicator member with a core having spikes that are substantially parallel and housed in a concave cavity, allowing for better product retention and easy separation of lashes, along with a wiping mechanism to manage excess product, enhancing the applicator's ability to load lashes and brows effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the applicator member has a simple structure without a cavity, then it is easier to manufacture, but it cannot retain and store product effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct retention capacityVSAvoidapplicator member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spikes are embedded within the concave cavity of the core, creating a nested structure where functional elements (spikes) are housed inside the retaining structure (cavity). This allows the applicator member to store product in the cavity while maintaining spike functionality for separation, resolving the contradiction between product retention and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the spikes are arranged in a converging pattern, then they can separate eyelashes effectively, but they cannot create zones heavily laden with product for rapid loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct loading speedVSAvoideyelash separation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator member creates different functional zones: the concave cavity area serves as a product reservoir heavily laden with mascara, while the spike areas provide separation functionality. This local differentiation allows simultaneous product loading and separation without requiring converging spike patterns, resolving the contradiction between loading speed and separation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If the applicator member has a convex shape, then it is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot create product reservoirs that acquire surplus product after wiping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurplus product in reservoirVSAvoidcore geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a convex shape that is simpler to manufacture, the invention inverts the geometry to use a concave cavity shape. This inverted geometry naturally traps and retains surplus product after the wiping action, creating effective product reservoirs that would not form with a convex design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3079525B1Applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product to the eyelashes or eyebrows

Publication Date: 2022.05.18 LOREAL SA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic or care product to the eyelashes or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member (8) having: -a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X), -spikes (18) that are carried by the core and extend from the core, a majority of the spikes being substantially parallel to one another, the core (10) having, at least in cross section, an outwardly concave overall shape, forming a cavity (20), spikes (18) being disposed inside the cavity (20) in the core.