Cosmetic Applicator Non-Porous Base Porous Cushioning Bi-Injection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicators lack sufficient cushioning effect, precise application, adequate cosmetic formulation retention, and durability, as they either provide too much firmness without cushioning or too much absorbency without structure.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator design featuring a non-porous base combined with porous cushioning members made from materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, where the cushioning members are molded to create pores and securely attached to the base using bi-injection or overmolding, providing both structural precision and reservoir capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a firm base material is used, then structural precision and durability are improved, but cushioning effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural precisionVSAvoidcushioning effect

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into two distinct segments: a firm non-porous base providing structural precision and a separate porous cushioning member providing cushioning effect. This segmentation allows each part to independently fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a non-porous firm material for the base and a porous cushioning material for the applicator head. This composite structure integrates both firmness and cushioning capabilities in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a porous cushioning member is used, then cushioning effect and cosmetic formulation retention are improved, but structural precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecushioning effectVSAvoidstructural precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into two distinct segments: a firm non-porous base providing structural precision and a separate porous cushioning member providing cushioning effect. This segmentation allows each part to independently fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a non-porous firm material for the base and a porous cushioning material for the applicator head. This composite structure integrates both firmness and cushioning capabilities in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If cushioning members are securely attached to the base, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidattachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member and base are combined into a single integrated component through overmolding, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps. The cushioning member is molded directly onto the base, creating a permanent bond while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator combines two different materials with contrasting properties: a non-porous firm material for the base and a porous cushioning material for the applicator head. This composite structure integrates both firmness and cushioning capabilities in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 offers a balance of precision and cushioning, allowing for effective retention and application of cosmetic formulations while maintaining durability through a secure bond between the base and cushioning members.

Implementation Method 1

a first porous cushioning member molded onto the base that is configured to retain a predetermined amount of cosmetic formulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

molding the first porous cushioning member with the first material having a soluble filler that dissolves in the bath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS11571058B2Cosmetic applicator with a firm base and an attached cushioning member

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 LOREAL SA

AI summary

A cosmetic applicator includes a non-porous base and a first porous cushioning member molded onto the base that is configured to retain a predetermined amount of cosmetic formulation. A method of forming a cosmetic applicator includes forming a non-porous base and forming a first porous cushioning member on the base.