Cosmetic Applicator Brush with Variable Fiber Pitch Zones

Solution Overview

Problem

Standard cosmetic applicator brushes have a fixed pitch between fiber arrays, limiting the variability of mascara application across different regions of the brush, as the tightly twisted areas load less product compared to loosely twisted areas.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator brush with defined zones, each having a distinct pitch between adjacent fiber arrays, achieved through a two-step twisting process where the stem pin is initially twisted and then partially fixed to create a first zone with a specific pitch, followed by further twisting to create a second zone with a different pitch, allowing for varying fiber distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pitch between adjacent fiber arrays is fixed along the entire length of the brush, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the mascara loading and application variability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara application variabilityVSAvoidpitch variation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush is divided into multiple zones along its length, with each zone having a distinct pitch between adjacent fiber arrays. This segmentation allows different regions of the brush to have different mascara loading capacities, enabling varied application effects from a single brush.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the brush are given different local properties through varying pitch values in different zones. This allows specific areas of the brush to be optimized for different functions - some zones for heavier product loading, others for lighter, more precise application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If the stem pin is twisted more tightly to increase fiber array density, then the brush loads more mascara, but the pitch between adjacent fiber arrays becomes smaller and application precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara loading capacityVSAvoidapplication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brush is divided into multiple zones along its length, with each zone having a distinct pitch between adjacent fiber arrays. This segmentation allows different regions of the brush to have different mascara loading capacities, enabling varied application effects from a single brush.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the brush are given different local properties through varying pitch values in different zones. This allows specific areas of the brush to be optimized for different functions - some zones for heavier product loading, others for lighter, more precise application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the pitch between adjacent fiber arrays is increased to improve application precision, then the brush loads less mascara, but the overall product distribution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication precisionVSAvoidmascara loading amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The brush is divided into multiple zones along its length, with each zone having a distinct pitch between adjacent fiber arrays. This segmentation allows different regions of the brush to have different mascara loading capacities, enabling varied application effects from a single brush.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the brush are given different local properties through varying pitch values in different zones. This allows specific areas of the brush to be optimized for different functions - some zones for heavier product loading, others for lighter, more precise application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8794713B2Cosmetic applicator brush

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

AI summary

A cosmetic applicator brush is provided comprising a brush stem and a plurality of fiber arrays extending from the brush stem. The plurality of fiber arrays comprises at least a first zone defining at least a first pitch between adjacent fiber arrays located within the first zone, and at least a second zone defining at least a second pitch between adjacent fiber arrays located within the second zone, with the at least first pitch being different to the at least second pitch. The invention further discloses a method of manufacturing a cosmetic applicator brush, the method comprising using a stem pin to retain a multiplicity of fibers, in a primary twisting step, twisting the stem pin to form a twisted stem pin with a plurality of fiber arrays extending from the twisted stem pin, fixing a first region of the twisted stem pin, such that said first region is unable to twist further, the first region defining at least a first zone of the cosmetic applicator brush, the at least first zone in turn defining at least a first pitch between adjacent fiber arrays located within the first zone, and in a secondary twisting step, twisting a second region of the twisted stem pin to define at least a second zone of the cosmetic applicator brush, the at least second zone in turn defining at least a second pitch between adjacent fiber arrays located within the second zone, with the at least first pitch being different to the at least second pitch.