Flexible Cosmetic Applicator Head with Elastic Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cosmetic applicators have limited surface area and retention capacity, requiring multiple dips into the product container for application, and may be complex and costly due to internal reservoirs, with difficulty in controlling the product delivery.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic package with a large surface area applicator head and separate inner reservoir, featuring a snap-fit design, elastic deformation for easy product retention and release, and a wiper mechanism to manage excess product, made from flexible materials like thermoplastic urethane and elastomers for improved usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If conventional applicators are used, then the structure is simple, but the surface area and product retention capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicator surface areaVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head is nested within the cap, which serves as both a protective cover and a structural support. The applicator can be inserted into and removed from the cap, allowing the cap to function as part of the applicator assembly while maintaining separate functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator head extends laterally beyond the stem in multiple directions, creating a multi-dimensional structure that significantly increases the surface area available for product application and retention, moving beyond the simple linear structure of conventional applicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional applicators are used, then the structure is simple, but the product delivery control is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct delivery controlVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head automatically retains cosmetic product through adhesion to its surface area and flexible structure during immersion and withdrawal from the container, providing self-regulating product delivery without requiring additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible material allows the applicator head to deform during product pickup and application, changing its shape and surface area dynamically to control product delivery - expanding to retain more product and conforming to the application surface for controlled distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If internal reservoirs are added to applicators, then product retention capacity increases, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct retention capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cap and applicator are designed to work together as an integrated system, where the cap provides structural support and the applicator head provides product retention through its flexible material and surface area, eliminating the need for separate internal reservoirs while achieving the same functional result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator head is made from flexible material that can deform and conform, creating a thin-film structure that retains product through adhesion and flexibility rather than requiring thick-walled rigid reservoirs, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Productivity

If larger product volumes are retained, then fewer dips are required, but the applicator structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication efficiencyVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator head is pre-configured with high surface area and flexible structure before use, enabling it to retain large volumes of product in a single immersion, so that the actual application process requires fewer dips and is more efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient, economic, and aesthetically pleasing application of larger product volumes with reduced re-dipping requirements, ensuring uniform coverage and easy handling without excess product on unintended areas.

Implementation Method 1

A cosmetic applicator with an elastomeric applying member... elastic deformation for easy product retention and release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The applicator may be immersed in the container containing the cosmetic product and then removed from the jar to apply the product to a user's skin... retain the cosmetic product by adhesion to the applicator surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11523672B2Cosmetic applicator with flexible fluid retaining portion

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 TOLY MANAGEMENT LTD

AI summary

A cosmetic package for applying a composition including a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical composition onto the keratinous substrate comprises a receptacle and a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator further comprises an applicator head, a stem and a closure. The applicator head includes an applying member which comprises a spatula with a first application face having a concave inner surface and a second application face having a convex outer surface.