Cosmetic Applicator Rod Segmentation for Recyclable Copolyester Molding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic product application members made from plastic materials like POM are difficult to recycle and costly to produce due to long cooling times, especially for elongated elements, leading to manufacturing failures and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
Manufacturing the application member in two parts using recycled PET or a combination of virgin and recycled PET, with separate molding of the rod and rod carrier, and employing a cooling system to reduce cycle time and ensure precise dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If copolyester material is used for molding the application member, then recycling ease is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to substantial cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
The application member is divided into two separate components: a rod and a rod carrier. Each component can be molded separately using copolyester material, allowing optimized cooling for each part while maintaining recyclability. The separation enables independent manufacturing processes that reduce overall cooling time requirements compared to molding a single complex piece.
2Ease of manufacture
If copolyester material is used for molding elongated elements, then recycling ease is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to adhesion and elongation during mold release
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the application member into a rod and rod carrier, the patent avoids molding long elongated elements as a single piece. The rod can be molded separately with controlled cooling, preventing adhesion-related distortion during mold release, while the rod carrier provides structural support and attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the molding approach by adjusting cooling parameters and mold release conditions for the separate rod component. By controlling the cooling rate and using appropriate mold release agents, the rod achieves precise dimensional specifications without adhesion problems, while still being made from recyclable copolyester material.
3Device complexity
If one-piece molding is used for the application member, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but environmental impact worsens due to lack of recycling capability
Solution Approach 1:
The application member is segmented into a rod and rod carrier that can be manufactured separately from recyclable copolyester material. This segmentation enables each component to be optimized for recycling while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The separate components can be produced using established copolyester molding processes with controlled cooling, achieving both environmental sustainability and manufacturing viability.
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 solution allows for easy recycling, reduces production costs, and ensures precise geometric dimensions while maintaining mechanical strength, making it suitable for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
the substantial cooling time of such a material... the released product is relatively soft... in the absence of complete cooling of the elongated element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cosmetic product application member comprises: - a rod carrier (40); and - a rod (38) defining a first end (70) and a second end (72) that are opposite. The first end (70) of the rod (38) is intended to be assembled in the rod carrier (40). The rod (38) and the rod carrier (40) are manufactured from a plastic material composed of a copolyester, in particular a semi-aromatic copolyester.