Elastic Microcell Surface Structure for Cosmetic Puffs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic puffs made of sponge materials face issues with residual cosmetic substances leading to hygiene concerns and inefficient application due to smooth surfaces, while silicone puffs with emboss patterns struggle with adhesion and depth limitations in forming effective emboss structures.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an elastic microcell surface structure involving a thin thermoplastic polyurethane outer film closely adhered to a silicone rubber elastomer body, using a mold with emboss patterns to form deep recesses and protrusions, allowing for improved adhesion and tactile feedback without the need for additional adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an emboss pattern is formed on the outer film of a conventional silicone puff, then the tactile feeling and cosmetic accommodation are improved, but the adhesion between the outer film and elastomer body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastomer body by controlling the Shore hardness to be 10-40 (specifically 20-30), which is significantly softer than conventional silicone puffs. This parameter change allows the elastomer body to deform and adhere tightly to the mold cavity during the embossing process, ensuring strong adhesion between the outer film and elastomer body while maintaining the emboss pattern for improved tactile feeling and cosmetic accommodation.
2Ease of operation
If the outer film is made thinner to improve flexibility and tactile feeling, then the comfort is improved, but the ability to form deep emboss patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the hardness parameter of the elastomer body to Shore 10-40, making it exceptionally soft and deformable. This allows the thin outer film (which provides good tactile feeling) to be pressed deeply into the mold cavity during vulcanization, forming deep emboss patterns that would otherwise be impossible with thicker or stiffer materials. The soft elastomer body conforms to the mold cavity shape, enabling deep pattern formation in thin films.
3Quantity of substance
If a sponge material is used for high cosmetic adsorption, then the cosmetic capacity is improved, but the hygiene and ease of cleaning deteriorate due to residual substances in pores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastomer body with microcellular structure (inherent porosity of silicone rubber) that provides cosmetic capacity while maintaining hygiene. Unlike sponge materials with open interconnected pores that trap residues, the microcellular structure of cured silicone rubber provides a closed-cell foam structure that does not absorb or retain cosmetic substances, allowing for easy cleaning and maintaining hygiene while still accommodating cosmetics on the surface.
4Strength
If the elastomer body hardness is increased for structural stability, then the durability is improved, but the tactile feeling and adhesion to outer film deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastomer body hardness to Shore 10-40, which is softer than conventional silicone puffs. This parameter change enhances tactile feeling by providing a softer, more skin-like sensation. The durability is maintained through proper vulcanization curing of the silicone rubber, which provides structural integrity and longevity even at lower hardness levels, resolving the trade-off between softness and durability.
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 solution provides a hygienic and effective cosmetic applicator with enhanced tactile feedback and improved cosmetic distribution, reducing surface slip and allowing for deeper emboss patterns that accommodate more product, addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a liquid elastomer composition into the mold-film double layer emboss structure so that the liquid elastomer composition adheres to the mold-film double layer emboss structure
Implementation Method 2
curing the liquid elastomer composition
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic microcell surface structure for an elastomer body with an outer film adhered and to a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the elastomer body includes a solid uneven structure formed of protruding portions and recess portions formed in its surface, and the outer film includes a zigzag uneven structure in a manner of being tightly wrapped around the protruding portions and recess portions of the solid uneven structure of the elastomer body.