Electrostatic Makeup Spray System for Seamless Skin Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing makeup application methods struggle to achieve a natural, uniform appearance without visible demarcation lines, requiring skilled techniques and often result in blotches or excess color, especially when applying powders or fluids to sensitive areas like the cheeks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that measure optical characteristics such as color and gloss at multiple locations on the skin or lips, automatically forming a deposit that varies to match the measured characteristics, using ink jet or minispray printing techniques to create a seamless transition and reduce visibility of boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If brushes are used to apply makeup powder, then the application can be subtle and controlled, but the color is not firmly secured to the skin and requires retouching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubtlety of applicationVSAvoidfirmness of color attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical brush application system with an electrostatic spray system that uses electrical fields to deposit makeup particles. The spray device generates electrostatically charged makeup particles that are attracted to and firmly attached to the skin surface, eliminating the need for retouching while maintaining subtle application.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and electrical properties of the makeup particles by charging them electrostatically before deposition. This parameter change allows the particles to adhere firmly to the skin through electrostatic attraction, solving the reliability problem of color attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrostatic spray is used to apply makeup, then the coverage intensity can be adjusted by varying distance, but the user cannot see accurately how far the appliance is from the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of coverage intensityVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates optical sensors that detect the distance between the spray device and the skin in real-time and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the spray parameters to maintain optimal deposition conditions, eliminating the need for precise manual distance control by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The spray device autonomously measures and adjusts its operating parameters based on the detected distance to the skin. The system performs self-regulation of the deposition process without requiring the user to have precise depth perception or manual adjustment skills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If professional makeup techniques are used to achieve high quality results, then the beauty of the face can be transformed, but long makeup sessions and professional know-how are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of makeup resultVSAvoidduration of makeup session
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual brush application techniques with an automated electrostatic spray system that precisely controls particle deposition. This substitution eliminates the need for professional know-how and lengthy application sessions while maintaining or improving makeup quality through consistent, controlled particle delivery.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses computer-controlled adjustment of electrostatic field strength, particle charge, and spray timing to optimize makeup application. These parameter changes enable professional-quality results to be achieved quickly without requiring the user to have specialized training or spend extended time on application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If colored material is applied to the skin, then the skin can be colored and made more uniform, but visible lines of demarcation are created at the boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of skin colorVSAvoidvisibility of demarcation lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies makeup particles with varying concentrations and charges to different zones of the skin. The electrostatic spray system delivers higher particle density and charge near the center of the application area and gradually reduces these parameters toward the edges, creating a smooth gradient that eliminates visible demarcation lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the electrostatic field parameters and particle delivery rate during the application process. By continuously modulating the charge and flux of particles being deposited, the system creates a gradual transition zone that blends the makeup with surrounding skin, preventing sharp boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise and controlled makeup application that hides boundaries, allowing for various makeup looks without the need for manual skill, enabling easy experimentation and reproduction of desired results.

Implementation Method 1

The deposited dots are charged electrostatically so as to be held on the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

measuring at least one optical characteristic, for example color or gloss, at at least one location of the skin or the lips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2326204B1A method of applying makeup and apparatus for implementing such a method
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 LOREAL SA
  • EP2326204B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2326204B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2326204B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of making up the skin or the lips, the method comprising: measuring at least one optical characteristic at at least one location of the skin or the lips; and automatically forming on the skin or the lips a deposit that has an optical characteristic that varies and that corresponds substantially at said location, to the measured optical characteristic.