Eyeliner Applicator Flexible Zone Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyeliner applicators struggle to easily draw lines of varying widths due to tip splay under pressure, making it difficult to apply both narrow and broad lines effectively.
Innovation Solution
An eyeliner applicator with a stem and an elongate applicator endpiece featuring a flexible zone that deforms when in use, allowing for adjustable line width by orienting the endpiece relative to the skin and applying pressure, with dimensions ensuring equal flexibility along perpendicular axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid tip is used for eyeliner application, then the applicator maintains its shape, but it is difficult to draw lines of varying widths because the tip does not deform under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tip flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to deform under user pressure. The tip is constructed with a flexible material and a specific internal structure (hollow channel with reinforcing elements) that enables controlled deformation while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the same tip to produce both fine and broad lines based on applied pressure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible tip is used to enable line width variation, then the applicator can draw lines of greater or lesser width, but the tips tend to splay apart under pressure making it difficult to control line width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible tip constructed from a hollow channel with thin walls and internal reinforcing elements. This structure provides flexibility for deformation while the reinforcing elements prevent excessive splaying, enabling controlled line width variation without loss of tip integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tip combines flexible material with internal reinforcing elements to create a composite structure that exhibits both flexibility and structural stability, allowing controlled deformation under pressure while preventing uncontrolled splaying
3Adaptability or versatility
If an applicator with two tips is used to draw lines of varying width, then broader line options are available, but the tips splay apart under pressure making precise application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a single flexible tip that dynamically changes its effective width based on applied pressure rather than relying on multiple rigid tips. The flexible material allows the tip to deform controllably, maintaining alignment and preventing the splaying issue that plagues multi-tip designs
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 comfortable and precise application of lines of desired thickness by allowing the head to tilt and bend, facilitating both fine and broad line drawing without tip splay, enhancing user control and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The endpiece has a flexible zone that deforms when the applicator is in use
Data Source
Figure 1~40
Figure 2~6
Figure 2B~32
AI summary
The present invention relates to an applicator (3) for eyeliner (P), the applicator comprising a stem (10) and an applicator endpiece (11) carried by the stem: i) the endpiece (11) being of elongate shape along a longitudinal axis (Z); ii) the endpiece (11) including a flexible zone (33) that deforms while the applicator is in use and that has first and second dimensions dx and dy respectively along first and second axes (X and Y) that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Z) of the endpiece (11), the first and second dimensions dx and dy being substantially equal; and iii) the endpiece including a head (32) extending the flexible zone (33), the head (32) being connected to the remainder of the endpiece (11) solely via the flexible zone (33), the head being flat in a plane containing the longitudinal axis (Z) and the second axis (Y), and measured parallel to the second axis (Y) having a maximum width (Lmax) that is greater than the second dimension dy.