Reusable Cosmetic Applicator with Segmented Reservoir

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic product packaging devices, such as mascara applicators, are not environmentally friendly as they require complete disposal after use and often result in product wastage due to rigid reservoirs that are difficult to empty, leading to applicator deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic product application device featuring a protective outer band with an inner fastening mechanism that allows for removable and reusable reservoirs, reducing environmental impact and optimizing product restitution by preventing applicator deterioration and enabling easy replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid reservoir is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the product restitution is incomplete and applicator deterioration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidproduct restitution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a reusable application device and a replaceable reservoir. This allows the reservoir to be discarded after use while retaining the applicator, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural integrity and achieving complete product restitution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir is designed as a single-use component that is discarded after the cosmetic product is depleted, while the application device is recovered and reused. This eliminates product wastage and applicator deterioration issues associated with rigid reservoirs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If the entire device is discarded after use, then product contamination is prevented, but environmental impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct contamination preventionVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a reusable application device and a disposable reservoir. Only the reservoir containing the cosmetic product is discarded, while the application device is retained for future use, reducing environmental impact while maintaining hygiene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir is designed for single use and then discarded, while the application device is recovered and reused with new reservoirs. This approach prevents contamination by discarding the portion that contacts the product while preserving the non-contaminated applicator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Loss of substance

If the applicator is pressed to extract remaining product, then product restitution is improved, but applicator deterioration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct restitutionVSAvoidapplicator integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pressing the applicator to extract remaining product, the entire reservoir is discarded after use. This eliminates the need to apply force to the applicator, preventing bristle damage while ensuring complete product restitution by using the full reservoir contents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Strength

If a protective band is added to protect the applicator, then applicator protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicator protectionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective band is merged with the reservoir structure, forming an integrated unit. This provides applicator protection without adding separate components, as the band serves both protective and structural functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11744346B2Cosmetic product application device, related kit and reservoir
Publication Date: 2023.09.05 LOREAL SA
  • US11744346B2 patent drawing
  • US11744346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Cosmetic product application device, related kit and reservoir The device (14) includes: —an applicator (40), comprising a gripping member (44) and a product application member t (46) intended to plunge into a reservoir (12) of a cosmetic product; —an intermediate part (42) comprising a attachment sleeve (70) for the removable fastening of the gripping member (44), with the attachment sleeve (70) defining a circulation hole (76) of the product application member (46). The intermediate part (42) comprises an outer band (72) for protecting the applicator (40) protruding opposite the attachment sleeve (70), the band (72) having at its free edge (88) an insertion opening (90) of the reservoir (12). The intermediate part (42) comprises an inner fastening member (74) for the removable fastening of the reservoir (12), protruding in the band (72) opposite the attachment sleeve (70).