Elastically Deformable Reservoir for Uniform Cosmetic Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cosmetic treatment of keratin materials using electric current lack efficacy in penetrating active agents uniformly and safely, especially for dynamic treatments, and often result in uneven distribution and potential leakage of liquid compositions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a power supply system, electrodes, a removable reservoir with an elastically deformable zone that regulates the flow of cosmetic composition, and an application end piece for controlled and uniform distribution, eliminating the need for motors or pistons and ensuring comfort and safety during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a motor or piston is used to regulate composition flow, then the flow control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable zone automatically regulates composition flow through its own elastic properties without requiring external motors or pistons. The material's inherent elasticity enables it to expand and contract, creating pressure variations that control the flow of cosmetic composition through the outlet orifice in a self-regulating manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow control systems (motors, pistons, valves) with a passive elastic material system. The elastically deformable zone uses elastic deformation and recovery to generate the necessary pressure for composition delivery, eliminating the need for active mechanical components while maintaining flow control capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the reservoir is made rigid, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the composition distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir incorporates an elastically deformable zone made of flexible material that can change shape and volume. This flexibility allows the reservoir to adapt its internal pressure distribution, ensuring uniform composition delivery across the treatment surface while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision through controlled elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system. The elastically deformable zone can expand and contract during operation, adjusting its volume and pressure characteristics to maintain uniform composition flow and distribution throughout the treatment process, adapting to varying demands.
3Productivity
If the outlet orifice is kept open, then the composition flow rate is improved, but the composition leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable zone creates periodic pressure variations through its expansion and contraction cycles. During expansion, pressure increases to drive composition flow through the outlet orifice; during contraction, pressure decreases to allow the orifice to close or reduce flow, preventing leakage while maintaining adequate flow rate during the expansion phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes pressure parameters through the elastic deformation of the reservoir wall. The pressure inside the reservoir varies between high (during expansion, promoting flow) and low (during contraction, preventing leakage), allowing the outlet orifice to remain open without continuous leakage by modulating the driving pressure.
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
The device provides a controlled and uniform release of the cosmetic composition, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment by ensuring consistent microcurrent application and comfort, while reducing the risk of leakage and promoting even distribution over the treated area.
Implementation Method 1
a second, elastically deformable zone, the second, elastically deformable zone exerting a pressure on the composition that is able to bring about a decrease in volume of the reservoir and a flow of the composition through the outlet orifice
Implementation Method 2
a power supply system, an electrode and a counter electrode
Implementation Method 3
the application of an electric current to the skin can facilitate the penetration of an active agent. It is thus known to treat human keratin materials with the aid of iontophoretic devices. Iontophoresis allows the diffusion of active agents through the skin by virtue of electrical stimulation
Implementation Method 4
Electrorepulsion is the migration of an ionized molecule by repulsion of charges of the same sign. Thus, a positively charged substance will diffuse through the skin at the anode (+).
Implementation Method 5
Electroosmosis is the migration of a molecule, even a non-ionized molecule, by entrainment associated with the flow of water from the anode to the cathode during iontophoresis. The migration is due in particular to the negative charge of the skin.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for cosmetically treating human keratin materials with the aid of an electric current, comprising at least: a power supply system, an electrode (10) and a counter electrode (15), a reservoir (3) containing a cosmetic composition, the reservoir being provided with at least one outlet orifice (4) for the composition, an application end piece (6) that is fed with composition from the reservoir (3), the reservoir (3) being at least partially defined by a first, electrically conductive zone (1) and by a second, elastically deformable zone (2).