Flexible Cosmetic Applicator With Concealed Fastening for Ergonomic Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic applicators face challenges in achieving precise application and ergonomic comfort, particularly with products like eyeliner, due to the significant axial distance between the gripping cap and the applicator tip, leading to unsatisfactory use ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
An applicator design featuring a flexible portion integrated with a rigid assembly insert, where the flexible portion is fastened inside the gripping cap, reducing the axial distance and enhancing ergonomic comfort and precision through elasticity and concealment of fastening regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the applicator member is fastened at the free end of a long stem, then the applicator can be manufactured with simple structure, but the axial distance between the gripping cap and applicator member becomes too large, reducing precision and ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator member is divided into a rigid assembly insert and a flexible portion, with the fastening region positioned inside the gripping cap. This segmentation allows the fastening to occur at a different location than the application tip, reducing the axial distance while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid assembly insert is mounted at least partially inside the gripping cap, with the flexible portion fastened in a region of the insert that is mounted inside the cap. This nested arrangement conceals the fastening regions and reduces the overall axial size of the applicator, improving both precision and ergonomics.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fastening region is positioned outside the gripping cap for easy assembly, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the appearance and perceived quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid assembly insert is positioned inside the gripping cap, concealing the fastening regions between the insert and flexible portion. This nested arrangement maintains assembly simplicity while improving the appearance and perceived quality by hiding the fastening mechanisms within the cap structure.
3Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the stem and applicator member, then the structural strength is maintained, but the ergonomics and comfort during application are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator member transitions from a completely rigid structure to a hybrid structure with a rigid assembly insert and a flexible portion. This local quality change provides structural strength where needed while introducing flexibility at the application end to improve ergonomics and comfort during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the applicator member is capable of deforming under load and returning by elasticity to its initial position. This dynamic behavior allows the applicator to adapt to different application conditions, improving ergonomic comfort while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the rigid insert.
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 design improves ergonomic comfort and precision of application by reducing the axial size and allowing the flexible portion to deform for better control, while maintaining a secure and economic fastening mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible portion of the applicator member is capable, on account of the material used and/or the dimensioning thereof, of deforming under the action of a load exerted by the user following contact with the surface to be treated, and of returning by elasticity to its initial position once the load ceases
Data Source
AI summary
The applicator for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprises a gripping cap (50) and an applicator member (52) that is provided with at least one application surface for said product and comprises a flexible portion (53). The applicator also comprises a rigid assembly insert (54) that is mounted at least partially inside the gripping cap (50) and is secured to said cap. The flexible portion (53) of the applicator member is fastened in the assembly insert (54) in a region of said insert which is mounted inside the gripping cap (50).