Eyeliner Applicator Tip With Segmented Facets For Variable Line Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeliner applicators do not allow users to easily vary the thickness of the line applied to the eyelids or eyebrows, limiting customization in makeup application.

Innovation Solution

An applicator tip made of oriented and bonded longitudinal fibers, preferably felt, with a convex shape and symmetrical design, allowing for capillary diffusion of the product and varying line width by adjusting the contact area with the skin during application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional applicator tip is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user cannot easily vary the line width during application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to vary line widthVSAvoidapplicator tip structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator tip is segmented into multiple distinct facets (first facet, second facet, third facet, fourth facet) with different geometries and orientations. Each facet can be selectively contacted with the skin to achieve different line widths, transforming a single uniform surface into multiple functional zones with varying contact areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the applicator tip are given different local qualities through the facet design. The first and second facets have different geometries from the third and fourth facets, creating localized variations in contact surface area and shape that enable different line widths and styles without changing the overall applicator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the applicator tip has multiple facets for varying line width, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to vary line widthVSAvoidfacet geometry and symmetry
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator tip employs asymmetric facet designs where the first and second facets differ from the third and fourth facets in geometry and orientation. This controlled asymmetry allows each facet to produce distinct line characteristics, with the asymmetric arrangement enabling varied contact surfaces that generate different effective line widths when applied to the skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The facets are designed with curved surfaces rather than flat planes, incorporating spherical or spheroidal elements that facilitate smooth contact with the skin. The curvature allows for gradual transitions in contact area and provides a consistent rolling or gliding motion during application, reducing the precision required for exact facet positioning while maintaining functional consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 users to easily adjust the line width during application, providing greater control and consistency in makeup results, with the ability to draw thicker or thinner lines depending on the desired outcome.

Implementation Method 1

The product may thus diffuse by capillary action within the applicator tip on account of its porosity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3226717B1Device for packaging and applying eyeliner
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 LOREAL SA
  • EP3226717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~8

AI summary

Device (10) for packaging and applying eyeliner, comprising: - a container (11) containing the eyeliner to be applied, an applicator tip (20) for applying the eyeliner contained in the container, having two opposite main facets (30), with a variable width that passes through a maximum, the two facets (30) converging in the direction of the distal end (35) of the applicator tip.