Thermoplastic Elastomer Wiper for Cosmetic Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wipers for cosmetic product applicators often result in uneven and vigorous wiping, leading to user discomfort and potential product loss, with materials like foam being prone to deformation and bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A wiper with a thermoplastic elastomer wiping portion having a hardness less than 70 Shore 00, preferably less than 45-50 Shore 00, designed to conform accurately to the applicator's contours, featuring a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section and a thick, tubular structure to minimize flexural deformation and prevent bacterial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional foam materials are used for the wiper, then the wiper can be soft and adaptable to the applicator shape, but the material is prone to deformation and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foam to thermoplastic elastomer, which fundamentally alters the material properties. This transition provides both the desired softness for adaptability and the structural stability to prevent deformation and bacterial growth, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid support element with a flexible thermoplastic elastomer wiping portion. This composite approach allows the rigid part to provide structural stability and resistance to deformation, while the elastomer material provides adaptability to the applicator shape and resistance to bacterial growth
2Ease of operation
If the wiper material is made softer to reduce vigorous wiping, then user comfort improves, but the wiper may deform more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foam to thermoplastic elastomer with specific hardness range (20-70 Shore A, preferably 30-50 Shore A). This parameter optimization provides the right balance between softness for user comfort and structural integrity to resist deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical geometry with a circular cross-section for the wiping portion. This curved, symmetrical shape distributes mechanical stresses uniformly, enhancing resistance to deformation while maintaining a soft wiping action that ensures user comfort
3Strength
If the wiper is made thicker to prevent deformation, then structural stability improves, but the wiping may become more vigorous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the thermoplastic elastomer to a specific range (0.5-2.0 mm, preferably 0.8-1.5 mm). This precise parameter control ensures sufficient structural stability to prevent deformation while maintaining a thickness that allows gentle, uniform wiping without excessive vigor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin film approach with the thermoplastic elastomer layer, which is thin enough to be compliant and gentle during wiping, yet sufficiently stable to prevent deformation. The flexible nature of the elastomer allows the thin structure to maintain both gentleness and structural integrity
4Ease of manufacture
If foam material is used for the wiper, then manufacturing is simple, but the material allows bacterial growth and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foam to thermoplastic elastomer, which fundamentally alters the material's resistance to bacterial growth and deformation while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional molding processes. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing a material that is both manufacturable and resistant to harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from porous foam material to non-porous thermoplastic elastomer. This eliminates the porous structure that allows bacterial growth and deformation, while the smooth, non-porous surface of the elastomer remains easy to manufacture and clean, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and resistance to harmful factors
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 uniform and consistent wiping without being overly vigorous, enhancing user comfort and preventing product loss, while the non-porous material reduces bacterial risks and deformation issues.
Implementation Method 1
the wiping portion is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness less than 70 Shore 00, preferably less than 45-50 Shore 00, designed to conform accurately to the applicator's contours
Implementation Method 2
the non-porous material reduces bacterial risks and deformation issues
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper for a container of cosmetic product, the wiper including a substantially tubular body including at least one wiping portion of which a free interior surface defines a wiping passage through which an application member can pass in a wiping direction, the wiping portion is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness less than 70 Shore 00, preferably less than 45 or 50 Shore 00.