Cosmetic Applicator with Geometric Positioning System

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Solution Overview

Problem

People with impaired vision face difficulties in applying makeup, especially to symmetric zones like eyelids, eyebrows, and hard-to-reach areas like the scalp, due to challenges in precise positioning and visibility, leading to inaccurate and unsatisfactory results.

Innovation Solution

A device with a positioning system using a geometric reference and customizable 3D scanning for precise placement, combined with an articulated arm and applicator system, allows for secure and repeatable application without visual attention, suitable for both visible and invisible zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standard applicator is used for makeup application, then the device is simple and easy to use, but positioning precision is poor leading to application errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning element with a specific geometric shape serves as an intermediary between the applicator and the user's face. This positioning element defines a precise trajectory and application zone without requiring complex electronic systems or visual feedback mechanisms, thus improving positioning precision while maintaining relative simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning element is designed to be self-positioning through its geometric shape that fits specific anatomical landmarks (e.g., nose bridge, cheeks). The user simply places the device, and the geometry itself ensures correct positioning without requiring active adjustment or visual verification, achieving high precision with minimal complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If makeup is applied to symmetric zones like eyelids and eyebrows, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to hand movement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymmetry accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning element has an asymmetric geometric shape that is specifically designed to fit the asymmetric anatomy of the face (left and right sides have different spatial relationships to central landmarks). This asymmetric geometry automatically compensates for hand movement variations and ensures symmetric application on both sides without requiring the user to consciously control symmetry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning element is segmented into multiple reference features (e.g., nasal reference, cheek references, jawline references) that independently define the position of each applicator head. This segmentation allows each side of the face to be positioned independently yet symmetrically, improving symmetry accuracy while keeping the overall device manageable in complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the applicator is designed for instinctive hand movement to the mouth, then lip makeup application is precise, but application to other zones like eyelids and cheeks becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication zone versatilityVSAvoidapplication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning element is designed with a universal geometric structure that can be positioned on various facial zones (lips, cheeks, eyelids, eyebrows) by selecting different anatomical landmarks as references. The same basic positioning mechanism works across multiple application zones, providing versatility without sacrificing precision through zone-specific geometric adaptations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If product is applied to invisible zones like scalp or back, then treatment coverage is improved, but application precision deteriorates due to lack of visual feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment area coverageVSAvoidapplication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning element incorporates geometric features that self-align with anatomical landmarks on invisible zones (e.g., skull shape for scalp, spine contours for back). The device positions itself through tactile feedback from these landmarks, eliminating the need for visual verification and ensuring precise application even on areas the user cannot see

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4025096B1Device for applying a cosmetic product
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 LOREAL SA
  • EP4025096B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2
  • EP4025096B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP4025096B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~6(b)

AI summary

A device (1) for applying a cosmetic composition (C), in particular a makeup or care composition, to an application zone (P) of a user, having a positioning system (2) comprising at least one support (4) configured to be positioned on a predefined supporting zone (Z) of the user's body and at least one connecting member (5) connected to an application system (3) for the composition, the support (4) having a customized shape, adapted to said supporting zone, and/or the connecting member (5) having a customized shape and/or dimensions, adapted to the morphology of the user, the device being configured to guide the connecting member (5), in particular to impose a predefined trajectory on said connecting member, when the latter is moved relative to said supporting zone (Z) from a position in which the support (4) is positioned on said zone, in order to bring the application system (3) into contact with said application zone.