Deformable Non-Shedding Tool for Dry Make-Up Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cleaning mascara brushes are either ineffective in removing dry make-up without contaminating the brush or require lengthy drying times, and often expose users to bacteria or fibers that can affect product application and hygiene.

Innovation Solution

A deformable make-up removal tool with internal surfaces made of non-shedding materials like Tyvek or waxy paper, allowing for easy insertion and manipulation of the brush to capture dry make-up without user contact, and featuring a flap for secure closure to prevent spillage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If paper towel or tissue is used to wipe clumps off the brush, then big clumps of dry make-up can be removed, but fibers from the tissue deposit on the brush causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemake-up removal effectivenessVSAvoidfiber deposition and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable non-woven material that is discarded after single use, eliminating the problem of fiber deposition on the brush. The material is designed to be used once and then disposed of, ensuring no contamination of the brush or remaining make-up product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-woven material has a porous structure that allows it to effectively capture and retain make-up particles while preventing fiber shedding. The porous nature enables the material to absorb and hold make-up clumps without transferring its own fibers to the brush.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If hot water is used to soak the mascara wand, then dried make-up can be loosened, but germs are added to the wand from the water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemake-up removal effectivenessVSAvoidbacterial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable non-woven material replaces water-based cleaning methods, eliminating the introduction of germs and bacteria to the brush. The material is used dry and discarded after single use, preventing any microbial contamination that would occur with water soaking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Quantity of substance

If cool water and shampoo/soap are used to clean the brush, then old make-up can be lifted, but the brush requires lengthy drying time of several hours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemake-up removal effectivenessVSAvoiddrying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable non-woven material enables quick dry cleaning of the brush without requiring water or drying time. The brush is cleaned by wiping with the material and can be immediately reused, eliminating the several-hour drying period required by water-based cleaning methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Quantity of substance

If conventional cleaning tools are used, then make-up can be removed, but user's hand comes in contact with make-up

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemake-up removal effectivenessVSAvoiduser exposure to make-up and bacteria

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The non-woven material acts as a barrier between the user's hand and the make-up on the brush. The material is manipulated to clean the brush, preventing direct contact between the user's skin and the potentially contaminated make-up or brush bristles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11330898B2Tool for removing make-up from a brush

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 GORDON ANA

AI summary

A tool for removing make-up from a brush comprising: a main body having two opposite walls defining an opening and a pocket, the main body being deformable to allow i) insertion of the brush through the aperture and ii) manipulation of the internal surfaces of the walls against the brush, wherein at least the internal surfaces of the walls are made of a material that does not shed upon manipulation of the walls against the brush.