Cosmetic Applicator With Locking Casing And Composite Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicators face issues with deformation and product loss during application due to the use of soft materials, and they often lack versatility and aesthetic appeal in design.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator featuring a resilient elongated casing with application elements and a non-resilient member within, utilizing a locking mechanism with progressively tightening and locking features to secure the casing, allowing for gentle application and varying lengths, while ensuring effective mascara delivery and lash care.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If soft resilient material is used for application elements, then gentle application is achieved, but deformation occurs during wiper passage and application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegentle applicationVSAvoiddeformation of application elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a resilient outer material (such as thermoplastic elastomer or silicone) and a rigid inner core (such as polypropylene or metal). This composite design allows the application elements to maintain their shape and structural integrity while still providing gentle contact with the skin or eyelashes during application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If soft resilient material is used for application elements, then gentle application is achieved, but product load is significantly wiped off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegentle applicationVSAvoidproduct loss on wiper
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid inner core within the resilient material creates a stiffer application element that resists excessive deformation during wiper passage. This structural reinforcement reduces the amount of product transferred to the wiper while maintaining the gentle application特性 provided by the resilient outer material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid body is used for application elements, then structural integrity is maintained, but harsh application occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidharsh application
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines rigid inner core material for structural integrity with an outer resilient material layer that provides gentle application. This composite structure ensures that the application elements maintain their shape and do not deform excessively while still offering a soft, comfortable application experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If simple retention method is used for casing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes an interference fit mechanism where the resilient casing is pressed onto the rod, creating a snap-fit assembly. This method provides a clean, seamless appearance without visible fasteners or retaining walls, while still ensuring secure retention. The flexible nature of the resilient material allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10045602B2Cosmetic applicator
Publication Date: 2018.08.14 ZEN DESIGN SOLUTIONS
  • US10045602B2 patent drawing
  • US10045602B2 patent drawing
  • US10045602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup, or a care product on skin, lips or on keratinous fibers. The cosmetic applicator comprises an application member assembly at a distal end of a rod and a handle at a proximal end of a rod. The application member assembly comprises an elongated casing with a hollow cavity, a multiplicity of application elements projecting from an outer surface of the casing, a non-resilient member disposed within the hollow cavity and extending along a length of the casing; wherein the non-resilient member comprises at least two progressively tightening and locking features in a locking region at its proximal end portion. The locking region is defined over a sufficient length of the non-resilient member which permits to attain different locking positions for the casing at the proximal end portion and thus varied lengths of the elongated casings can be used along with the same non-resilient member.