Cosmetic Applicator Oblique Tip Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional eyeliner applicators with rectilinear tips obstruct the user's field of view when self-applying makeup, making the application process less precise and more awkward.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator design featuring a constraint element that allows the applicator part to extend obliquely relative to the support, enabling adjustable angles and facilitating easier application by constraining the application member, which can be made from felt tips or other materials, with the constraint element being fixed or movable relative to the application member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the applicator tip extends along a rectilinear longitudinal axis, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the applicator obstructs the user's field of view when self-applying makeup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator tip is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to bend and curve. The base portion of the applicator tip can deform to change its extension direction, enabling the tip to clear the user's field of view while maintaining a simple overall structure. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the applicator tip is curved to clear the field of view, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision and production difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemakeup application precisionVSAvoidapplicator tip angle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state or properties of the applicator tip base, making it flexible and deformable. Instead of manufacturing precise curved shapes, the base material properties are modified to allow easy deformation into the desired curved configuration. This parameter change enables precise positioning without complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If different applicator variants are produced with different tip angles, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and production processes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator angle variantsVSAvoidproduction processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal base structure for the applicator tip that can be deformed into multiple configurations. A single base design serves multiple functions by allowing the tip to be shaped into different angles and curves. This multi-functionality enables production of various applicator variants without developing separate manufacturing processes for each angle, thus maintaining production simplicity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10588394B2Cosmetic applicator

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Cosmetic applicator comprising an application member having a base fixed to a support, this base extending along a longitudinal axis of the support, and an applicator part connected to the base, the applicator comprising a constraint element (30) attached to the application member and at least partially in contact with the latter, the constraint element (30) constraining the application member in such a way that the applicator part extends at least partially obliquely with respect to the axis of the support.