Elastomeric Blade Applicator for Streak-Free Viscous Nail Polish
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nail polish applicators are inadequate for viscous products, as they often result in streaks and poor application quality due to the bristles used in traditional brushes.
Innovation Solution
A packaging and application assembly featuring a flexible, curved blade applicator with a convex distal edge and adjustable curvature, allowing precise dosing and smooth application without bristles, which facilitates the removal and application of viscous nail products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional brushes with bristles are used for applying viscous nail products, then the applicator can handle the product, but the bristles form streaks on the nail surface that persist on drying
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the bristle component entirely from the applicator design. Instead of using a traditional brush with hair bristles, the patent employs a solid applicator head made of elastomeric material that directly contacts the nail surface, eliminating the source of streak formation while maintaining product application capability
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator head is constructed from an elastomeric material that provides flexibility and conformability to the nail surface. This flexible solid structure replaces the rigid bristle arrangement, allowing smooth product deposition without creating streaks, while the material's elasticity enables it to adapt to the curved surface of the nail
2Measurement precision
If a wiping member is added to the container to control product dosage, then product application can be controlled, but it makes it difficult for the user to dose the quantity of product taken up by the applicator
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the wiping member from the system entirely. Instead of using a separate wiping component to control dosage, the elastomeric applicator head is designed to self-regulate product pickup through its material properties and geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional dosing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric applicator head automatically controls the quantity of product it takes up from the container based on its own physical characteristics. The material's elasticity and the head's geometry create a self-regulating mechanism that limits product pickup to the appropriate amount without requiring external wiping or manual dosage control
3Adaptability or versatility
If the applicator handle is curved and made of elastically deformable material to adjust beam opening, then the applicator can adapt to nail width, but it has the same drawback as conventional brushes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the bristle component that causes streaking while retaining the curved, elastically deformable handle design. The solid elastomeric applicator head maintains the adaptability benefits of the curved design without introducing the harmful streak-forming properties of bristles
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material used in the applicator head provides the necessary flexibility and deformability to adapt to different nail widths and contours. This flexible solid structure replaces both the rigid conventional brush and the problematic elastically deformable brush, achieving adaptability without streak formation
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 enables precise control over the application of viscous nail products, preventing streaks and ensuring high-quality makeup by allowing for adjustable curvature and a concave applicator face, enhancing user comfort and application efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The blade 6 is advantageously made of an elastomeric thermoplastic or of any other material which can give the blade a certain flexibility and is compatible with the possible solvent(s) contained in the product
Data Source
Figure 1~10
Figure 6~9
Figure 11~21
AI summary
The assembly (1) has a container (3) containing a viscous product (P) to be applied on nails, where viscosity of the viscous product is higher than or equal to 0.3 Pascal-second. An applicator (2) removes the product contained in the container and applies the product on the nails. A flexible strip (6) of the applicator is curved and defines a concave applicator surface (15), where the strip has a non-constant thickness. The strip has reliefs on longitudinal sides of the surface, where the reliefs separate a portion of the applicator surface by a preset distance from the nails. An independent claim is also included for a method for applying make-up to nails.