Cosmetic Applicator Inner Sleeve for Tip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic applicators with brush-like tips face issues of tip deformation, drying, and dew condensation due to gaps between the application tip and cap, leading to poor performance and hygiene concerns, especially with eyeliner applications.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic storage type applicator design featuring a cap with an inner sleeve having a tapered inside diameter and no steps, creating a static air layer to prevent dew condensation and protect the brush tip, along with a tail plug configuration for airtightness and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical cap is used to protect the application tip, then protection against drying and airtightness is improved, but the application tip may dry due to large space between the tip and cap interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner cap nested inside the outer cap, creating a multi-layer protective structure. The inner cap directly contacts the application tip while the outer cap provides the sealing interface with the barrel, effectively nesting one protective element within another to solve both protection and drying prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cap acts as an intermediary element between the application tip and the external environment. It provides a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between the cosmetic on the tip and the air in the cap space, while also serving as a surface for condensation to form rather than on the application tip itself
2Loss of substance
If an inner cap is attached inside the cap body to prevent drying, then drying prevention is improved, but seamed steps are formed that may catch the brush tip
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cap is designed with a curved, rounded opening end rather than sharp edges or steps. This curvature eliminates the seamed steps that would otherwise catch the brush tip, while the rounded surface still effectively prevents cosmetic drying by forming a continuous protective barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cap has different functional zones: the opening end is designed with smooth curvature for brush tip safety, while the rear end provides the sealing function. This local differentiation of properties allows the single component to address multiple concerns without compromise
3Reliability
If a cap with inner cap is used to protect the application tip, then protection is improved, but dew condensation occurs due to temperature change
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cap converts the harmful effect of dew condensation by providing a sacrificial surface. Condensation forms on the inner cap's outer surface rather than on the application tip, protecting the tip from moisture while the inner cap itself absorbs the condensation harm
Solution Approach 2:
The nested structure of inner cap within outer cap creates thermal isolation. The air gap between the nested layers acts as insulation, reducing temperature fluctuations that drive condensation, while the inner cap provides the primary protective barrier
4Loss of substance
If multiple parts are used in the cap structure to prevent drying, then drying prevention is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested structure where the inner cap is inserted into the outer cap, creating a multi-functional system from relatively simple components. This nesting approach provides effective drying prevention through the inner cap while the outer cap maintains the sealing function, avoiding the need for complex mechanical systems
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 enhances durability and prevents tip deformation, reduces dew condensation, and ensures airtightness, maintaining application quality and hygiene by minimizing fluid evaporation and microbial growth.
Implementation Method 1
creating a static air layer to prevent dew condensation
Implementation Method 2
ensures airtightness, maintaining application quality and hygiene by minimizing fluid evaporation
Data Source
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AI summary
It is related to an applicator having a sharpened tip in its applying part, in particular relating to a so-called brush-type applicator made of bundled fibers, and to provide a cosmetic storage type applicator in which when the cap is fitted, deformation and the like of the application tip is prevented and drying of the applying part and dew condensation around the applying part are prevented. In the cosmetic storage type applicator having a structure for supplying a cosmetic to an applying part 14 from the interior of a barrel cylinder 10, a cap 12 removably attached to the front part 10a of the barrel cylinder for covering the applying part 14 and plastic mouthpiece 16 is provided; an inner sleeve 20 having a tapered inside diameter toward the front end 20a is arranged inside the body 18 of cap 12 and integrally formed with the cap body 18; and the inner peripheral surfaces 20b and 18b from the inner sleeve 20 to the cap body 18 are formed with a smooth surface without any step.