Dual-Function Cosmetic Applicator with Integrated Reservoir

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicator sets for mascara and eyeliner are bulky due to separate reservoirs and applicators, making them inconvenient to use and leading to uneven product distribution and wastage, as well as requiring multiple filling steps.

Innovation Solution

A compact applicator design that combines a mascara part and a liner part along the same longitudinal axis, allowing for assembly and detachment, with a hollow core and protrusions for easy passage of the applicator tip, enabling a single reservoir setup that can function as both a mascara and a liner applicator, reducing bulk and simplifying filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate reservoirs are used for mascara and eyeliner, then both products can be stored, but the applicator set becomes bulky and doubles the volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to store both mascara and eyelinerVSAvoidvolume of applicator set

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate reservoirs into a single integrated reservoir that can hold both mascara and eyeliner products. The applicator assembly includes both a mascara applicator and an eyeliner applicator that can be inserted into this single reservoir, eliminating the need for two separate reservoirs and reducing the overall volume of the applicator set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single reservoir is designed to serve multiple functions by accommodating both mascara and eyeliner products. The applicator assembly provides multi-functionality with both mascara and eyeliner applicators that can be inserted into the same reservoir, allowing one reservoir to perform the role of two separate reservoirs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single cap with two applicators is used, then both mascara and eyeliner can be applied, but the mascara wand obstructs the view of the eyelid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to apply both mascara and eyelinerVSAvoidease of applying eyeliner

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator assembly is segmented into separate mascara and eyeliner applicators that can be independently positioned and used. The eyeliner applicator can be extended or positioned separately from the mascara applicator, allowing the user to apply eyeliner without the mascara wand obstructing the view of the eyelid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the eyeliner applicator can be extended or repositioned independently from the mascara applicator. This dynamic arrangement allows the user to adjust the position of each applicator according to the specific application needs, ensuring the mascara wand does not block the view during eyeliner application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate reservoirs are used for mascara and eyeliner, then both products can be stored, but multiple filling steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to store both mascara and eyelinerVSAvoidtime required for filling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate filling operations into a single filling process. The single reservoir design allows both mascara and eyeliner products to be filled simultaneously or in sequence within one reservoir, eliminating the need for two separate filling steps and reducing the time required for refilling the applicator set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate reservoirs are used, then both products can be stored, but one reservoir may empty before the other leading to wastage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to store both mascara and eyelinerVSAvoidwastage of cosmetic product

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By combining both mascara and eyeliner into a single reservoir, the system allows for better monitoring and management of product levels. Users can visually assess the remaining quantity of both products in one reservoir and refill or replace the entire assembly when either product is running low, preventing the situation where one reservoir empties while the other still contains usable product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2938222B1Two-part applicator for a cosmetic product

Publication Date: 2019.10.02 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising, along a same longitudinal axis, a mascara part (2) and an applicator part, the mascara part (2) comprising a sleeve (21), longitudinal along a longitudinal axis, and an applicator tip (22) at a distal end (211) of the sleeve, the applicator part comprising a longitudinal stem (31) and an applicator end at a distal end (311) of the stem, the sleeve (21) being sized so as to be able to accommodate the longitudinal stem (31) at least partially, the mascara part (2) and the applicator part being able to be assembled onto and separated from one another, characterized in that the applicator tip (22) comprises a housing (221) sized so as to allow at least the partial passage of the applicator end during the assembly of the mascara part (2) with the applicator part.