Flattened Lip Cosmetic Applicator with Concave Tip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lip cosmetic applicators face issues with uneven application, excessive cosmetic distribution, and reduced durability due to stiff branches and inadequate wiper design, leading to patchy application and cosmetic adhesion problems.

Innovation Solution

A lip cosmetic applicator device with a flattened, deformable applying portion that gradually decreases in width, featuring a concave surface and a protrusion for improved cosmetic retention and easy wiping, along with a flexible wiper orifice and annular lip for reduced resistance and effective cosmetic distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the applying portion is made with stiff branches to increase cosmetic retention, then the cosmetic can be retained in the cavity, but the cavity fails to serve as a smooth supply of cosmetic and the cosmetic is pressed from the applying side through the cavity to the back side, causing ineffective use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic retentionVSAvoidcosmetic supply smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the applying portion from stiff to flexible/deformable. This parameter change allows the applying portion to deform during application, enabling smooth cosmetic supply from the cavity while maintaining cosmetic retention capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic deformability to the applying portion, allowing it to change shape during use. This dynamic property enables the cavity to smoothly supply cosmetic to the applying side while preventing cosmetic from being pressed to the back side

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the wiper orifice diameter is designed to suit the stem diameter to prevent cosmetic adhesion to the stem, then cosmetic adhesion is prevented, but the applying portion meets large resistance when withdrawn from or re-inserted into the receptacle, reducing convenience of use and durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic adhesion to stemVSAvoidconvenience of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the applying portion laterally beyond the stem diameter, creating a dimensional relationship where the applying portion width exceeds the wiper orifice diameter. This allows the stem to pass through the orifice while the applying portion is wiped by the wiper surface

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible wiper made of elastic material that can deform to accommodate the applying portion during insertion and withdrawal, reducing resistance while maintaining wiping function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Manufacturing precision

If the applying portion has a fine pointed tip to apply cosmetic delicately, then fine application is achieved, but the tip has too small cross-section to be sufficiently wiped, causing excess cosmetic to pool at the tip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine application capabilityVSAvoidexcess cosmetic pooling
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fine pointed tip with a rounded tip having a curved surface. This curvature allows the tip to maintain fine application capability while providing sufficient surface area contact with the wiper for effective cosmetic removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the tip geometry parameter from pointed (small cross-section) to rounded (larger cross-section), enabling both delicate application and sufficient wiping contact area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device ensures uniform cosmetic application, minimizes unwanted adhesion, and prevents dripping or threading, providing a neat finish while maintaining ease of use and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the applying portion is more deformable than the wiper so that the applying portion is flat and wider than the stem, which may be wiped through the wiper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2486821B1Lip cosmetic application device
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 KAO CORP
  • EP2486821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2486821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2486821B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(e)

AI summary

A lip cosmetic applicator device (1) including an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic (4) to a lip and a receptacle (3) for containing the cosmetic (4). The applicator (2) is withdrawable from and insertable into the receptacle through a neck (33) of the receptacle (3). The applicator (2) includes a stem (22) and an applying portion (21) connected to one end of the stem (22). The applying portion (21) is a flattened shape and has an applying side (21A) for applying the cosmetic (4). When viewed from the front, the applying portion (21) has a widest part (21E) and gradually decreases in width from the widest part (21E) to a tip thereof. The applying side (21A) of the applying portion (21) is a concave surface having a concavity (21C) in a center thereof.