Flexible Core Applicator for Cosmetic Keratin Fibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicator devices for cosmetic products, particularly those for keratin fibers like eyelashes and eyebrows, are complex and not robust, leading to high manufacturing costs and user discomfort during application.

Innovation Solution

A simple and robust applicator device with a flexible, elastically deformable core that connects the applicator element to the stem, allowing for maximum flexion without compromising precision, and can be easily integrated into existing packaging without additional costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible core is added to provide flexibility in the applicator element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of applicator elementVSAvoidstructure of applicator device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flexible core and the applicator element into a single integrated structure where the flexible core serves as both the structural support and the flexible component. This merging eliminates the need for separate flexible parts and their associated attachment mechanisms, thereby providing flexibility while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible core made of elastomeric material that inherently provides the necessary flexibility for the applicator element. This flexible core acts as both the structural framework and the flexible component, eliminating the need for additional flexible parts and complex attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If multiple components are used to secure the rigid core in the flexible part, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring of rigid coreVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rigid core, flexible part, and retention mechanism into a single integrated applicator element. The elastomeric material inherently retains the rigid core structure without requiring separate retention components, thereby ensuring reliability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure where a rigid core is embedded within an elastomeric flexible part. This composite design provides both structural integrity and flexibility, with the elastomeric material naturally securing the rigid core without additional retention components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a complex assembly structure is used to fix the applicator element to the rod, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment of applicator elementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the attachment function into the integrated applicator element structure, where the elastomeric material and rigid core work together to securely attach to the rod. This eliminates the need for separate attachment components and complex assembly procedures, thereby ensuring reliable attachment while simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated applicator element design allows the structure to self-secure to the rod through its inherent elastic properties and geometric configuration, eliminating the need for additional attachment mechanisms and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides improved comfort and precision during application while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of existing designs, accommodating various cosmetic products and materials.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible core, elastically deformable, the core connecting the applicator element to the rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3558056B1Applicator device for cosmetic product with flexible applicator element

Publication Date: 2023.07.19 LVMH RECH

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AI summary

The invention concerns an applicator device (16) for applying a cosmetic product to keratinous fibres, comprising a rod (18), a gripping member (20), an applicator element (22), and an elastically deformable flexible core (34), the core linking the applicator element (22) to the rod (18). The core (34) comprises a free portion extending freely between the rod (18) and an application portion (30) of the applicator element (22). The core (34) further allows maximum bending of the applicator element (22) relative to the rod (18) such as a maximum bending angle (α) between the longitudinal direction (X1) of the rod (18) and the longitudinal direction (X2) of the applicator element (22) of at least 2°. The invention also concerns a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product (12) to be applied to keratinous fibres comprising an applicator device (16) and a container (14) intended to contain the product (12) to be applied.