Electrostatic Cosmetic Deposition via Nozzle and Target Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic deposition methods lack control over the duration of material application and uniformity on surfaces, as they rely on non-electrostatic mechanisms that fail to efficiently manage particle attachment and detachment based on surface polarity.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic deposition system that includes a nozzle for breaking cosmetic materials into charged particles, a nozzle electrode for charging these particles, and a target electrode for controlling surface polarity, allowing for precise attachment and detachment of cosmetic particles based on polarity differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If non-electrostatic mechanisms are used for cosmetic deposition, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and control over application duration are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoiddeposition uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces non-electrostatic mechanical deposition mechanisms with an electrostatic system. The electrostatic nozzle charges cosmetic particles electrically, and the target electrode on the skin surface creates electrostatic attraction to control particle deposition. This substitution enables precise control over application duration and uniformity by adjusting electrostatic parameters rather than relying solely on mechanical spray control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If non-electrostatic mechanisms are used for cosmetic deposition, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control over application duration is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidapplication duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control through the target electrode that can be activated or deactivated to control particle attachment and detachment. By dynamically adjusting the electrostatic field on the skin surface, the system can extend or reduce the duration of cosmetic application. The charged particles remain attached as long as the electrostatic attraction is maintained, providing controllable application duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If electrostatic deposition is implemented, then the manufacturing precision and control over application duration are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the electrostatic deposition system. The same electrostatic nozzle that charges particles also controls their release, while the target electrode on the skin surface serves both as a charging mechanism and an attachment control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise deposition control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of moving object

If electrostatic deposition is implemented, then the control over application duration is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication durationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through the controlled activation and deactivation of the target electrode. By periodically applying electrostatic attraction, the system can control when particles attach and detach from the skin surface. This periodic control mechanism enables adjustable application duration without requiring complex mechanical timing devices, as the electrostatic field itself serves as the timing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables controlled and uniform deposition of cosmetic particles by leveraging electrostatic forces to manage particle attachment and detachment, improving application duration and surface coverage.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle electrode configured proximately to the nozzle. The nozzle electrode is configured to charge the cosmetic particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a target electrode configured for charging the surface; and a controller having instructions, which, when executed, cause the controller to: during a first time period, charge the surface at a first polarity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 3

charge the cosmetic particles at a second polarity, where the second polarity is different from the first polarity; and during a second time period, repel the cosmetic particles from the surface by charging the surface at the second polarity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction and repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS11950677B2Devices and methods for electrostatic application of cosmetics
Publication Date: 2024.04.09 LOREAL SA
  • US11950677B2 patent drawing
  • US11950677B2 patent drawing
  • US11950677B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices and methods for electrostatic application of cosmetics are described. In one embodiment, a system for electrostatic deposition of cosmetic material on a surface includes: a housing; a nozzle configured for breaking the cosmetic material into cosmetic particles and for directing the cosmetic particles out of the housing and toward the surface; and a reservoir configured for holding the cosmetic material. The reservoir is connected to the nozzle. The system also includes an airflow conduit configured to provide air to the nozzle; and a nozzle electrode configured proximately to the nozzle. The nozzle electrode is configured to charge the cosmetic particles.