Flexible Rod Applicator for Keratin Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for applying cosmetic or care products to keratin fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows, face challenges in maintaining an optimal product load after passing through a small diameter spinner, often resulting in insufficient product retention and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic, single-piece applicator device with a core and embedded flexible rods that can radially bend, allowing for efficient product retention and easy passage through a wiper, featuring a non-smooth outer surface with barbs or pins oriented radially, ensuring optimal product application and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If existing applicators are used, then product application function is provided, but product retention after passing through spinner is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates a flexible rod that can dynamically change its shape from a curved state during storage to a straight state during application. This dynamic transformation allows the applicator to pass through the spinner while maintaining optimal product retention characteristics during use, resolving the contradiction between product retention and reliable application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the applicator by using a flexible rod that transitions between curved and straight configurations. This parameter change enables the applicator to adapt its geometry for different operational phases, ensuring both adequate product retention after spinning and reliable application performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing applicators are used, then basic application function is provided, but manufacturing process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rod and core into a single integrated component where the flexible rod is embedded within the core structure. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled, while still maintaining the functional complexity needed for effective product application.
3Productivity
If applicator passes through small diameter spinner, then product loading is enabled, but product retention becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible rod's ability to dynamically change shape allows the applicator to compress during passage through the spinner and then expand afterward. This dynamic behavior enables efficient product loading during spinning while maximizing product retention during the application phase, resolving the contradiction between loading efficiency and product load maintenance.
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 optimal product retention and application quality by allowing radial compression and expansion, addressing the limitations of prior art in product engagement and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rod (2) is provided, which extends along the length of the elongated core (1), in particular which is embedded at each of its ends substantially coinciding with each end of the elongated core (1). The rod (2) is flexible along its length, in particular it exhibits elasticity allowing a variation in the external diameter of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~5B
Figure 6~10A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers, comprising an elongate core (1) extending on a longitudinal axis XX. Advantageously, the device additionally comprises at least one pliant and flexible rod (2), which is oriented longitudinally and is embedded, at least at a first and a second point, on said longitudinal core (1), so as to form at least one zone of flexion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX; it is made in one piece and preferably from a plastic material.