Flexible Applicator with Beveled Wings for Non-Planar Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicators fail to effectively and comfortably spread creams on non-planar surfaces, such as a baby's bottom, as they are designed for planar surfaces and lack the necessary flexibility and antimicrobial properties.

Innovation Solution

A flexible applicator with a spreader having protruding wings and a tip that can be retrofitted onto a tube of cream, featuring antimicrobial additives, which evenly distributes cream on non-planar surfaces by bending to fit crevices and smoothing edges with wing bevels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid applicator is used to spread cream on a non-planar surface, then the applicator maintains structural stability, but it cannot conform to crevices and provides uncomfortable contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to conform to non-planar surfacesVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator employs a flexible spreader head made of elastomeric material that can bend and conform to non-planar surfaces such as a baby's bottom, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to perform the spreading function effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader head is designed with flexible wings that can dynamically adjust their position and shape during application, allowing the applicator to adapt to varying surface geometries while maintaining operational effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible applicator material is used, then the applicator can conform to non-planar surfaces, but the material may promote bacterial and mold growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to conform to surfacesVSAvoidbacterial and mold growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator combines flexible elastomeric material with antimicrobial additives to create a composite structure that maintains flexibility for conforming to non-planar surfaces while incorporating biocidal properties to prevent bacterial and mold growth on the flexible material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of flexible material (promoting microbial growth) into a benefit by incorporating antimicrobial additives that actively challenge and eliminate harmful microorganisms, turning the risk into a protective feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If the spreader has sharp edges for effective spreading, then the cream distribution is efficient, but the applicator causes discomfort on human skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecream distribution efficiencyVSAvoidcomfort on human skin

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader is designed with locally varied properties: the surface features crevices and contours for effective cream distribution, while the edges are specifically modified to be rounded or beveled to eliminate sharp points that would cause discomfort on sensitive skin

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 applicator provides a safe and efficient method for applying creams to non-planar surfaces, ensuring a smooth and even application while preventing bacterial growth, particularly suitable for babies' bottoms.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible applicator material that comprises the wings is preferably manufactured with an antimicrobial additive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The flexible applicator material that comprises the wings is, preferably, manufactured with an antimicrobial additive which actively challenges harmful mold and bacteria

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action: Preservative

Data Source

PatentUS11178952B2Applicator

Publication Date: 2021.11.23 ABADILLA ARVIN

AI summary

An applicator used for evenly spreading a cream from a tube to which the applicator is attached. The applicator has a base unit that fits over the opening in the tube of cream and directs the cream through a hole in applicator unit, which is the upper part of the invention. The applicator unit has a spreader, which evenly distributes the cream onto a non-planar surface. The spreader is made from flexible, resilient material, and has a tip and wings that emanate out from the hole in the top of the spreader. When the applicator is used to spread cream in a crevice, the tip retains any excess cream behind it, and the wings bend back and evenly spread the cream along the sides of the crevice. The wings have side bevels that remove any sharp edges on the wings.