Hairbrush Applicator Flow Control for Targeted Dry Shampoo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haircare products, such as dry shampoo applicators, often result in excessive application, waste, and unwanted spray dispersion, and fail to provide targeted and even distribution without using brushes or combs, while also posing issues like scalp itchiness and clogged pores.

Innovation Solution

A hairbrush applicator configuration with a bristle assembly, base tray, and a rotating collar that controls material flow through adjustable flow holes and channels, allowing for targeted application and even distribution of dry shampoo or powder without aerosol sprays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If aerosol sprays are used to apply dry shampoo, then application speed is improved, but product waste and unwanted dispersion increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoidproduct waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator divides the product delivery system into separate functional components: a storage container for product, a dispensing mechanism with flow control holes, and a bristle assembly for application. This segmentation allows precise control over product flow to the bristles, preventing waste while maintaining efficient application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bristle assembly serves as an intermediary between the stored product and the hair. Product flows through controlled holes in the applicator base to the bristles, which then distribute it evenly through the hair shafts. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct spray dispersion onto the face and clothes while maintaining controlled application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If aerosol sprays are used to apply dry shampoo, then application speed is improved, but unwanted material dispersion onto face and clothes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoidunwanted material dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bristle assembly acts as an intermediary that channels product directly onto the hair shafts rather than allowing uncontrolled spray dispersion. The structured bristle arrangement ensures product is deposited only where needed, preventing harmful dispersion onto the face and surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the aerosol spray mechanism with a mechanical dispensing system using controlled flow holes and a bristle-based application method. This substitution eliminates the harmful dispersion characteristics of aerosols while maintaining the speed of application through the engineered flow control and bristle distribution system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If powder is applied without a brush or comb, then application simplicity is improved, but even distribution is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoiddistribution evenness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the dispensing function and the distribution function into a single integrated bristle assembly. The bristles are positioned and angled to simultaneously receive product from the flow holes and distribute it evenly through the hair, combining what would traditionally be separate steps into one unified action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bristle assembly provides local quality by positioning individual bristles at specific angles and orientations to target different sections of the hair. This localized arrangement ensures even distribution across the entire hair surface while maintaining operational simplicity through the unified applicator design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Quantity of substance

If powder contacts the scalp, then application coverage is improved, but scalp health issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication coverageVSAvoidscalp health issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bristle assembly is designed with specific local quality characteristics - bristles are angled and positioned to target the hair shafts rather than the scalp. This localized application approach ensures comprehensive hair coverage while deliberately avoiding scalp contact, preventing issues like itchiness and clogged pores.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bristle assembly serves as an intermediary that delivers product to the hair shafts without direct scalp contact. The bristles act as a mediating structure that channels product along the hair shafts, providing coverage while protecting the scalp from harmful powder contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250275624A1Hairbrush applicator and hairbrush dispenser configurations
Publication Date: 2025.09.04 KIM MICHELLE
  • US20250275624A1 patent drawing
  • US20250275624A1 patent drawing
  • US20250275624A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Configurations are provided for hairbrush applicators and personal care devices, including dispensing and application of material to a user, such as powders and dry shampoo. According to embodiments, a hairbrush applicator includes a bristle assembly having bristles and a base tray, the base tray including at least one channel opening. The hairbrush applicator includes an applicator base configured to receive the bristle assembly and at least one flow hole to provide material to the bristles. The applicator base includes a rim with a guide channel, a collar is configured to engage with the rim and the guide channel. The collar can rotate relative to the applicator base to provide at least one position to dispense material to the bristle assembly. The applicator base may be configured to engage with a storage container configured to store material dispensed by the applicator which may include a disposable cartridge.