Eyelash Applicator Brush Core Curvature Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyelash and eyebrow applicators fail to provide a non-constant and regular wiping action, leading to uneven makeup distribution, especially in the corners of the eye, and do not allow easy access to these areas.

Innovation Solution

The applicator features a brush with a core that has a first and second concave curvature along its longitudinal axis, allowing for non-constant wiping and easy access to the eyelashes in the corners of the eye, with the core being curved around different radii of curvature and having vertices on either side of the longitudinal axis of the rod, ensuring a more even makeup application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the brush core is curved to match the eyelash fringe shape, then access to eyelash corners is improved, but makeup distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to eyelash cornersVSAvoidmakeup distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The brush core is designed with different curvature radii at different locations: a first curvature radius in the initial section and a second curvature radius in the subsequent section. This local variation in geometric parameters allows the brush to adapt to different anatomical regions of the eyelash fringe, providing both corner access and uniform makeup distribution in different zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The brush core employs a progressive curvature design where the curvature radius changes along the length of the core. This dynamic geometric transition enables the brush to smoothly adapt from one curvature regime to another, maintaining consistent product application while navigating the complex geometry of the eyelash fringe including corner areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the brush core has constant curvature, then manufacturing is simplified, but product distribution along the brush becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush core fabricationVSAvoidproduct distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single constant curvature throughout, the brush core implements different curvature radii at different locations. This local differentiation ensures that each section of the brush core is optimized for its specific function while remaining manufacturable through conventional forming processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The curvature radius parameter is deliberately changed along the length of the brush core, transitioning from a first curvature radius to a second curvature radius. This parameter variation is designed to achieve uniform product distribution while maintaining ease of manufacture through controlled geometric progression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the brush is rotated to access corner areas, then coverage is improved, but application time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The progressive curvature design of the brush core allows it to naturally follow the contour of the eyelash fringe including corner areas during a single sweeping motion. This dynamic geometric adaptation eliminates the need for multiple rotation steps, reducing application time while maintaining comprehensive coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brush core extends into the angular dimension by incorporating specific curvature profiles that enable it to reach corner areas directly along the natural sweep of application. This three-dimensional geometric design allows corner coverage to be achieved in the same dimensional plane as the main eyelash fringe, eliminating the need for additional rotational movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2229839B1Applicator for applying cosmetic substances on eyelashes or eyebrows
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 LOREAL SA
  • EP2229839B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2229839B1 patent drawingFigure 6~49
  • EP2229839B1 patent drawingFigure 7~21b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising: - a shaft (4) having a distal portion (4a) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), and - a brush (5) fixed to the distal portion (4a) of the shaft, comprising a core bearing bristles, the core extending along a longitudinal axis (Y) entirely contained in a plane and having a first concave curvature towards a first side and having a second concave curvature towards a second side opposite to the first side, the first curvature being different from the second curvature, the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core passing at least once through the longitudinal axis (X) of the shaft, the core of the brush being devoid of a return towards the distal portion of the shaft, when moving along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core towards its free end, and the first and second curvatures each comprising a vertex (S1, S2),the two peaks being located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the stem.