Elastomeric Mascara Remover Head with Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing mascara from eyelashes are inefficient, often leaving residue, risking eye contact with chemicals, and causing irritation, and are not cost-effective due to the use of aggressive solvents and materials like compressed cotton discs that can swell or change shape.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a mascara remover head made of elastomeric material with annular or spiral grooves on a cylindrical surface, designed to rotate against the eyelashes, allowing for effective removal without chemical contact, using a rod with a removable head made of synthetic or natural sponge materials like polyurethane elastomer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If compressed cotton discs are used to remove mascara, then mascara removal is achieved, but the discs can swell or change shape when impregnated with chemical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara removal effectivenessVSAvoidshape stability of remover head

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from compressed cotton to elastomeric material, which does not swell or deform when impregnated with mascara remover chemicals, thereby maintaining shape stability while preserving mascara removal effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses elastomeric material that combines chemical resistance with mechanical stability, creating a composite structure that resists both chemical degradation and physical deformation during use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If aggressive solvents are used to remove mascara, then mascara removal is achieved, but the solvents may contact the eye causing redness and burning sensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara removal effectivenessVSAvoideye irritation from chemical contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric remover head acts as a flexible barrier that contains the aggressive solvents within the device structure, preventing direct contact between the chemicals and the eye while still allowing mascara removal through the elastomeric material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material serves as an intermediary between the aggressive solvent and the eye, allowing the solvent to perform its mascara-removing function while the elastomeric barrier protects the eye from direct chemical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If compressed cotton discs are used, then mascara removal is achieved, but it is expensive to produce a device comprising a plurality of disks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara removal effectivenessVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the remover head as a single elastomeric piece rather than assembling multiple separate cotton discs, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs while maintaining effective mascara removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric remover head is designed as a cost-effective single-use or limited-use component that eliminates the need for expensive multiple-disc assemblies, providing economical mascara removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the remover head is made of elastomeric material, then shape stability is improved, but the material must be durable and cost-effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape stability of remover headVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects elastomeric materials with specific durometer ranges (25-80 Shore) that balance shape stability, durability, and manufacturing cost-effectiveness, optimizing the material properties for both performance and production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device ensures optimal mascara removal without eye contact, reducing residue and irritation, and is cost-effective by using a durable, shape-stable remover head that effectively targets mascara at the lash base and edges.

Implementation Method 1

The main body 5 of the remover head 2 comprises an active outer surface having a plurality of distinct annular grooves 6, axially spaced, or a continuous spiral groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The mascara remover head 2 is made in a single piece and comprises a main body 5 made of an elastomeric material or a synthetic or natural sponge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3193660B1Device for removing mascara from the eyelashes

Publication Date: 2021.05.05 DEL CORPO ANNA EMILIA

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Figure 3

AI summary

A device (1) is described for removing mascara from the eyelashes, comprising: - a rod (3) having a first free end portion (4) and a second opposite end portion; - a mascara remover head (2) coupled to the second opposite end portion and made in one piece, comprising a main body (5) made of an elastomeric material or sponge, wherein said main body (5) comprises an active outer surface having a plurality of axially spaced annular grooves (6) or a continuous spiral groove.