Eyelash Applicator with Alternating Helical Spikes and Bristles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid applicators for eyelashes and eyebrows face a challenge in finding a balance between loading cosmetic products and combing/separation of lashes, lacking an efficient design that combines these functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An applicator member with a core made of polymer material featuring alternating helical coils of integral spikes for combing and separate bristles for product loading, designed to be simple, economical, and easy to assemble, where the core is twisted to spread these elements into interposed helical layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid applicators combine both combing and product loading functions, then the applicator becomes more versatile, but the design complexity increases and the balance between the two functions becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct applicator members (combing member with spikes and product loading member with bristles) into a single integrated applicator member. The core retains both types of application elements arranged in alternating helical coils, allowing the applicator to perform both combing and product loading functions simultaneously without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator element is divided into two distinct functional segments: spikes for combing and bristles for product loading. These segments are arranged in alternating helical coils along the core, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently while being part of a unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If applicator members are disposed adjacently on the core with distinct zones for combing and product loading, then the functions are clearly separated, but the alternation and interposition of the two types of application elements is insufficient for efficient application
Solution Approach 1:
Both the spikes and bristles are arranged in helical (coiled) formations around the core, creating an alternating spiral pattern. This curved, three-dimensional arrangement allows the two functional elements to interpose alternately along the longitudinal axis, improving application efficiency while maintaining structural coherence.
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator member has a simple and economical design that is easy to assemble, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but achieving effective alternation of different application elements becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spikes and bristles are pre-formed as separate components before being assembled onto the core. The bristles are inserted into the core in a preliminary step, and then the core is twisted to spread them into the final alternating helical arrangement with the spikes, simplifying the overall assembly process while achieving the desired element alternation.
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 solution provides a balanced and efficient application process for both product loading and lash separation, ensuring effective distribution of cosmetic products while maintaining a straightforward assembly and secure attachment of bristles to the core.
Implementation Method 1
The core bearing the first and second application elements turns through more than one revolution on itself about its longitudinal axis under the twisting effect brought about by the arms of the support
Data Source
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AI summary
Applicator member (10) for applying a product to keratin fibres, notably to eyelashes, comprising: - a core (11) made of polymer material, - first application elements (12) that project from the core (11) and are integral with said core (11), and - second application elements (13) that project from the core (11) and are separate from the first application elements (12). Said first and second application elements (12, 13) are arranged in at least two helical coils disposed alternately along the longitudinal axis (X2-X2') of the core (11).