Curved Cosmetic Applicator Head With Recessed Storage Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cosmetic applicators require frequent dipping into the product container to apply a sufficient amount of cosmetic product, which is inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic package with an applicator head featuring a curved support body having recessed and hollow regions, along with a longitudinal rib, that allows for a larger quantity of product to be stored and applied without re-dipping, combined with a flocked surface for enhanced product retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional applicators with simple adhesion storage are used, then the applicator structure remains simple, but the applicator requires frequent dipping into the container to carry out an entire application process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication convenienceVSAvoidtime for repeated dipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head transitions from a flat surface design to a three-dimensional structure with recessed regions and hollow cavities. This dimensional change creates multiple product storage zones (surface adhesion, recessed areas, and hollow cavities) that significantly increase the amount of cosmetic product the applicator can hold without requiring frequent dips into the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the applicator head by introducing varying depths (recessed regions and hollow cavities) and surface textures (flocked coating). These parameter changes enable the applicator to store and retain larger quantities of cosmetic product, reducing the frequency of recharging and improving application convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the applicator surface area is increased to hold more product, then the product storage capacity increases, but the applicator head size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic product storage amountVSAvoidapplicator head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head is segmented into multiple functional zones: a flat outer surface for initial product pickup, recessed regions for intermediate storage, and hollow cavities for bulk product retention. This segmentation allows the applicator to hold more product while maintaining a compact overall structure that does not excessively increase in size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator head employs a nested structure where hollow cavities are positioned within or adjacent to recessed regions, which themselves are integrated into the overall applicator head form. This nesting arrangement maximizes product storage volume within a compact footprint, increasing capacity without proportionally increasing the applicator head dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a flocked surface is applied to enhance product retention, then product adhesion improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head incorporates a flocked surface, which consists of densely packed fibrous material creating a porous structure. This porous texture dramatically enhances cosmetic product retention through capillary action and surface area multiplication. The flocking can be applied as a coating layer on the applicator head surface, providing superior product holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

Enables a larger amount of cosmetic product to be applied in fewer operations, reducing the need for frequent recharging and providing a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-use solution.

Implementation Method 1

a flocked surface for enhanced product retention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11185145B1Cosmetic applicator
Publication Date: 2021.11.30 APR BEAUTY GRP INC
  • US11185145B1 patent drawing
  • US11185145B1 patent drawing
  • US11185145B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cosmetic applicator for applying a composition including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical composition onto the keratinous substrate. The cosmetic applicator further comprises an applicator head, a stem and a closure. The applicator head includes an applying member which comprises a support body extending in along a central longitudinal axis of the applying member. The support body is curved along the central longitudinal axis and includes a first application face and a second application face opposing the first application surface. The first application face and a second application face are bounded by two lateral edges. The support body of the applying member comprises a recessed region formed at a distal portion of the first application face and a hollow region formed at a proximal portion of the second application face.