Cosmetic Applicator With Curved Segments for Dual-Use Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic product applicators are inadequate for both applying products over large areas and performing precise retouching, as they are either too bulky for broad application or lack the necessary precision for detailed application.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic product applicator with a flexible application body featuring multiple curved segments and flocking, allowing for dual-directional application by utilizing two distinct hollow areas for broad and precise product distribution, enabling versatile use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the application body includes a first curved segment with a hollow area for receiving cosmetic product, then the applicator can apply product over a large surface area, but the applicator becomes less suitable for precise retouching or detailed application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface area of lipVSAvoidprecision of product application
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The application body is divided into multiple functional segments: a first curved segment with a hollow area for broad application, a second curved segment for precise application, and a third end segment. This segmentation allows different portions of the applicator to serve different purposes - the hollow area segment for covering large surfaces and the end segment for detailed retouching work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different segments of the application body are designed with different geometries and properties suited to their specific functions. The first segment has a hollow area optimized for broad coverage, while the third end segment has a geometry optimized for precise application. This local differentiation of quality allows the single applicator to perform both broad and precise application tasks effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the application body is designed for broad area application, then it covers large surfaces effectively, but it lacks the precision needed for retouching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidprecision of retouching
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The application body is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform both broad area application and precise retouching. By incorporating multiple segments with different geometries (hollow area for coverage, end segment for precision), the single applicator serves multiple functions that would traditionally require separate tools, making it universal for both productivity-oriented and precision-oriented tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the applicator uses a single application body design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot perform both broad application and precise retouching effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of applicatorVSAvoidversatility of application
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The application body is segmented into distinct functional zones (first curved segment with hollow area, second curved segment, third end segment) that can be manufactured as a single integrated piece. This segmentation provides versatility for different application tasks while maintaining relative structural simplicity through single-piece construction, avoiding the need for multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2879546B1Cosmetic product applicator, device and associated method
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 LOREAL SA
  • EP2879546B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2879546B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2879546B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

This applicator comprises a tip (22) with a central axis (A-A') and a product application body (24), in a single piece with the tip (22). The body (24) includes a first curved segment (40) with a local axis moving away from the central axis (A-A') seen in a plane parallel to an axial median plane of the applicator. The body (24) has a second curved intermediate segment (42) with a local axis approaching the central axis (A-A'), and defining, with the first segment (40), a first hollow area.The body (24) has a third end segment (44) defining, with the second intermediate segment (42), a second hollow area (58) opposite the first hollow area.