Heating applicator system with reusable components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated mascara applicators face issues with product dry-out due to repeated heat exposure and have unattractive, fragile elongated stems that are prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A handheld heating applicator system with reusable components, comprising a detachable handle subassembly and disposable container subassembly, where the handle houses a battery and upper printed circuit board, and the container houses a lower printed circuit board with heating elements, forming an electric connection when assembled, allowing for efficient heating without elongated stems and reducing the risk of breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an elongated stem is used to support heating elements in the applicator head, then the heating elements can be positioned correctly, but the stem becomes unattractive and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the applicator into separate modular components: a reusable handle subassembly containing the battery and control electronics, and a disposable container subassembly containing the product and applicator head with heating elements. This segmentation eliminates the need for an elongated stem, as each module is self-contained. The handle houses its own heating element directly, removing the structural weakness of a long projecting stem while maintaining proper heating element positioning within the applicator head.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a reusable handle with elongated stem is used, then heating functionality is maintained, but the stem is fragile and subject to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the applicator into reusable and disposable portions, the patent allows the handle to be robust and reusable without requiring a fragile elongated stem. The heating function is transferred to the disposable container subassembly, which contains its own heating element positioned directly in the applicator head, eliminating the need for a long stem to transmit heat or support heating components.
3Productivity
If heating elements are exposed repeatedly to heat personal care product, then the product can be applied effectively, but the product dries out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable container subassembly that contains the personal care product and heating elements. Each disposable unit is pre-filled with product and designed for limited use, after which it is discarded and replaced. This eliminates the problem of product dry-out in reusable containers, as each new disposable unit starts with full product and the heating is contained within the disposable portion that is replaced rather than repeatedly used.
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 system effectively heats personal care products without causing dry-out and eliminates the risk of breakage and unsightly elongated stems, providing a durable and aesthetically improved applicator.
Implementation Method 1
the lower printed circuit board has heating elements disposed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A heating applicator system that heats personal care products without concerns of dry-out as a result of repeated exposure to heat comprising a disposable container subassembly and a reusable handle subassembly. The container subassembly comprises a lower printed circuit board that has heating elements disposed thereon. The reusable handle subassembly houses an upper printed circuit board that has electronic control elements. When the handle subassembly is attached to the container subassembly, the two circuit boards form an electric connection and create an electric heating circuit. Subsequently, the handle subassembly is able to detach from the container while the applicator head remains attached to the handle subassembly. After each use, the applicator head is replaced in the container. When the product is used up, the applicator head and the container can be detached from the handle subassembly. The handle subassembly can be reused, while the container and applicator head are discarded.