Flat Cleaning Tool Scrapes Dried Mascara Residue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heated cosmetic and personal care applicators, such as mascara brushes, face challenges with dried-out product residue that interferes with performance and contaminates the reservoir, requiring an effective and inexpensive cleaning method.
Innovation Solution
A reusable or disposable cleaning tool with a flat body and cleaning regions that extend through it, designed to scrape off dried product from applicator heads, allowing for mechanical removal without chemicals, with options for reusable tools that can be cleaned themselves and disposable tools made from paper or other materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating applicator is used to apply cosmetic product, then the product application performance is improved, but dried-out product residue accumulates on the applicator head interfering with performance and contaminating the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful dried-out product residue from the applicator head surface through a cleaning tool with a cleaning region that physically contacts and scrapes off the residue, separating the contaminant from the applicator to prevent further interference with product application
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool acts as an intermediary device between the applicator and the reservoir, providing a cleaning region that interfaces with the applicator head to remove residue before the applicator returns to the reservoir, preventing contamination of the remaining product
2Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods (container wiper and tissue) are used for non-heating applicators, then the cleaning effectiveness is adequate, but these methods are insufficient for heating applicators due to hardened residue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the cleaning interface by providing a cleaning region with specific surface characteristics (such as textured surfaces, ridges, or grooves) that increase mechanical engagement with the applicator head, enabling effective removal of hardened residue that simple wiping cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is segmented into a body and a cleaning region with distinct functions, where the cleaning region is specifically designed and positioned to contact the applicator head surface, allowing targeted cleaning action separate from the structural support functions of the body
3Ease of manufacture
If a reusable cleaning tool is used, then cost effectiveness is improved, but the tool itself requires cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention offers a disposable cleaning tool embodiment that is inexpensive to manufacture and use, eliminating the need for maintenance and cleaning of the tool itself, where the tool is discarded after use or when it becomes contaminated, trading the maintenance burden for minimal waste cost
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
Effectively removes dried product from heated applicators, preventing contamination and maintaining performance, while being inexpensive to manufacture and use.
Implementation Method 1
As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator
Implementation Method 2
dried out product is scraped off the applicator
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.