Cosmetic Applicator With Alternating Protrusion Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for cosmetic products, such as mascara, struggle to simultaneously load and comb eyelashes effectively, with loading zones and combing zones often being separate and not uniformly distributed, leading to inefficient product application.
Innovation Solution
The applicator features a core with protrusions arranged in alternating rows, where the length of protrusions gradually decreases and increases along the core, allowing for both loading and combing zones to be distributed uniformly around and along the applicator, with specific angular and radial spacing to optimize product application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the applicator has separate loading zones and combing zones, then the functions are distinct, but the applicator cannot simultaneously load and comb eyelashes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges loading zones and combing zones into a single integrated applicator structure. The core contains both types of zones along its length, with loading zones having longer protrusions for product pickup and combing zones having shorter protrusions for lash separation. This allows the applicator to simultaneously perform both functions during a single application pass, eliminating the need for separate loading and combing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different zones along the core with distinct properties. Loading zones feature longer protrusions that extend further radially to pickup and hold cosmetic product, while combing zones feature shorter protrusions that can penetrate and separate eyelashes. Each zone is optimized for its specific function while being part of the same continuous core structure.
2Productivity
If the protrusions are uniformly distributed, then the applicator structure is simple, but the product distribution and combing effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform distribution of protrusions along the core, creating specific loading zones and combing zones at different positions. This precise spatial arrangement ensures that product is picked up at loading zones and then distributed to lashes at combing zones, optimizing the application process. The varying protrusion lengths and positions are precisely controlled to achieve the desired functional zones.
3Ease of operation
If the applicator rotates easily, then the ease of operation improves, but the control over product application decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator core is designed to perform multiple functions along its length, including product pickup, product distribution, and lash combing, all within a single rotational motion. The alternating loading and combing zones allow the applicator to effectively work throughout its entire circumference during rotation, providing both ease of use and controlled product application.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator (10) for a cosmetic product, comprising a core (12) having a first end, referred to as the proximal end (13), and a free second end, referred to as the distal end (16), and a plurality of protuberances (30) that project from the core (12), said protuberances (30) being arranged in a plurality of rows, the protuberances of at least one of said rows, referred to as the first row, decreasing progressively in length from said distal end (16) towards a central part of the applicator (10) before increasing progressively in length from said central part towards said proximal end (13), while an opposite variation in the length of the protuberances occurs in each of the two rows, referred to as second rows, that are adjacent to the first row(s). The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.