Hair Applicator Spikes with Gradient Surface Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerosol lacquers for hair styling cause uneven product distribution and shiny, unnatural appearances due to droplet coalescence on fine and straight hair, leading to inadequate fixing and artificial stiffness.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with spikes of varying surface tension along their length, where the distal portion has a higher surface tension than the proximal portion, allowing the product to penetrate under the hair's first layer for even distribution and quick drying, reducing coalescence and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aerosol lacquer is applied for more than 20 seconds to achieve considerable fixing, then the fixing strength is improved, but droplet coalescence occurs producing local accumulations that create shiny regions and artificial effects
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator employs spikes with non-uniform surface tension distributed along their length - the distal portion has higher surface tension than the proximal portion. This local variation in surface tension properties enables controlled droplet placement: the lower surface tension at the proximal end facilitates droplet adhesion to the hair, while the higher surface tension at the distal end prevents coalescence and promotes even distribution throughout the hair shaft.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If concentrated lacquer formulation is used to limit application time and prevent coalescence, then the harmful coalescence effect is reduced, but the joins become much more difficult to remove making combing and washing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface tension parameter of the applicator spikes along their length to create optimal conditions for droplet placement and distribution. By carefully controlling the surface tension gradient, the system achieves even product distribution that dries quickly without forming difficult-to-remove joins, eliminating the need for concentrated formulations.
3Ease of operation
If the applicator deposits product mainly on the first upper layer of hair, then the application process is simple, but the hairs show affected phenomenon of united movement when the head moves
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator divides the hair structure into multiple treatment zones by using spikes of varying lengths and surface tension properties. This segmentation allows the product to be distributed at different depths within the hair shaft - some spikes deposit on the first layer while others penetrate deeper, ensuring that product is placed throughout the hair structure rather than concentrated at the surface, thereby maintaining natural movement appearance.
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 ensures even product distribution under the hair's surface layer, preventing coalescence and providing a natural-looking, long-lasting fix without stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
the composition is retained inside said cavities by capillary action before being deposited on the hair in the form of droplets
Implementation Method 2
A distal application portion of each spike of said plurality of spikes has a surface tension greater than that of a proximal portion of said spike
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Applicator for applying a hair product, and associated application method Applicator for applying a hair product comprising a base 12 and spikes 14 protruding from the base. At least a plurality of spikes 14 each have a surface tension that varies in the direction of its length. A distal application portion 20 of each spike of said plurality of spikes has a surface tension greater than that of a proximal portion 22 of said spike.