Cosmetic Applicator Core-Envelope Design for Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible applicators for cosmetic products tend to detach accidentally from their containers due to volume expansion from solvents and lack precision in application, while also needing aesthetic enhancement.

Innovation Solution

An applicator design featuring a solid core with protuberances and a flexible envelope made of different materials, where the core is stiffer than the envelope, allowing for improved retention and precision while providing a visible pattern for aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible applicator member is used to ensure comfort and adaptability, then the applicator can conform to the skin and provide comfortable application, but the applicator may detach accidentally from the container due to volume expansion from solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of applicationVSAvoidretention in container

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into two distinct parts: a flexible envelope made of soft material for comfortable skin contact, and a rigid core made of harder material for structural stability. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator combines two materials with different mechanical properties: a soft flexible material (envelope) and a hard rigid material (core). This composite structure provides both the comfort of a flexible applicator and the stability needed to prevent accidental detachment from the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a flexible applicator member is used to ensure comfort and adaptability, then the applicator can conform to the skin, but the application precision may lack due to high deformability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of applicationVSAvoidapplication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a rigid core is used to improve retention and precision, then the applicator maintains its shape and provides precise application, but the applicator may lack flexibility and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention in containerVSAvoidcomfort of application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Shape

If the envelope covers the protuberances completely, then the applicator has a smooth appearance, but the visible pattern and branding information are hidden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth appearanceVSAvoidvisible branding information

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope is designed with different local characteristics: it covers most of the core surface to provide a smooth appearance, but leaves specific areas (protuberances) exposed to display branding information. This local differentiation allows the applicator to maintain both aesthetic appeal and information visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator features asymmetric design where the envelope does not uniformly cover the entire core surface. The protuberances create an asymmetric pattern that breaks the monotony of a completely covered surface, providing visual interest and branding visibility while maintaining overall smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10178905B2Packaging and application device

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Applicator (3) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to the skin, the lips or the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising: a stem (8), and an applicator member (10) located at one end of the stem (8) and comprising: a solid core (11) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), formed with one or more protuberances (13) and comprising one or more cavities (16), in particular through-cavities, and an envelope (14) located on the core (11), carrying applicator elements (12) and/or defining an application surface (15).