Dual-Surface Spongy Applicator for Line and Area Makeup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic applicators require separate tools for drawing lines and filling large areas, making the makeup process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose applicator with a spongy element featuring a linear footprint for precise lines and a flat surface for broader area coverage, allowing for both accurate line application and efficient area filling with a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single applicator is used for both line drawing and area filling, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and application accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spongy element is divided into two distinct functional zones: a first zone with a linear footprint (approximately 2mm x 8mm) optimized for precise line drawing, and a second zone with a larger flat surface (approximately 6mm x 6mm) optimized for area filling. This segmentation allows each zone to be专门ized for its specific function while being integrated into a single applicator head.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spongy element are given different geometric properties to suit their specific functions. The first zone has a narrow linear shape for precision work, while the second zone has a broader flat surface for coverage. This local differentiation of quality ensures that each part of the applicator is optimized for its intended purpose.
2Productivity
If separate applicators are used for line drawing and area filling, then application accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate applicators (a fine-tipped liner applicator and a larger eyeshadow applicator) are merged into a single dual-purpose applicator. The spongy element integrates both a linear footprint zone for line drawing and a flat surface zone for area filling, allowing users to complete entire eye makeup looks with one tool rather than switching between multiple products.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple makeup functions: precise eyeliner application using the linear footprint zone, broader eyeshadow placement using the flat surface zone, and transition blending between the two zones. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized applicators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spongy element with dual surfaces is used, then versatility is improved and time efficiency increases, but the structural complexity of the applicator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spongy element utilizes dimensional variation in its footprint geometry rather than adding complex mechanical components. By creating zones with different surface areas and shapes (linear vs. flat) within the same two-dimensional plane, the design achieves versatility without significant structural complexity. The different zones are arranged in specific spatial configurations to optimize their respective functions.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
An applicator (1) of a make-up product comprising a support (2) having at a free end thereof a spongy element (6), the spongy element having a first make-up front surface (4) with linear footprint, and a second lateral flat surface (5) having a thick footprint larger than that with linear footprint, so that the first surface can be used to create lines of make-up product the spongy element is impregnated with, while the second surface can be used to fill whole areas of large surface, such as the eyelids, with make-up product.