Nested Helical Mascara Applicator Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mascara applicators lack an efficient design for distributing cosmetic product evenly, leading to suboptimal eyelash thickening, lengthening, and separation effects, and their manufacturing processes are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A plastic mascara brush with a core and protuberances forming complex helical envelopes, where the free ends of the protuberances create nested helical structures with varying radial extensions, allowing for improved distribution and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mascara applicators are used, then manufacturing processes are simple, but the distribution of cosmetic product is inefficient and manufacturing is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the core and protrusions into a single molded piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. The core and protrusions are formed simultaneously in one injection molding operation, which reduces manufacturing complexity and time while maintaining the functional benefits of the complex envelope structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator design integrates multiple functions into a single brush structure. The nested helical envelopes perform both loading and combing functions simultaneously, allowing one applicator to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized brushes, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency without sacrificing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If complex nested helical envelopes are created on twisted brushes, then distribution efficiency improves, but manufacturing becomes more costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex nested helical envelope structure is pre-formed during the injection molding process itself, rather than being added as a subsequent step. The mold cavity is designed to create the final envelope structure directly, eliminating post-manufacturing operations and reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining distribution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical assembly process (attaching protrusions to twisted brushes) with an injection molding process. This substitution allows the complex geometry to be created through material flow and cooling patterns rather than mechanical manipulation, significantly reducing manufacturing time and cost.
3Reliability
If protrusions are distributed over entire core periphery, then eyelash thickening and separation effects improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the density and arrangement of protrusions in different regions of the core. The first and second nested helical envelopes have different radial extensions and pitch variations, creating zones with different properties optimized for specific functions (loading vs. combing) while maintaining overall structural simplicity through the molding process.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (10), in particular mascara, comprising a core (12) which extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as an extension axis (X), and projections (30) which project from said core (12) in directions which are substantially radial to the extension axis (X), the projections (30) being moulded with the core (12), characterised in that the free ends of the projections (30) form at least two envelopes (E1, E2) in mutual engagement along the extension axis (X), a first helical envelope (E1) being formed by a first plurality of projections (31), and a second helical envelope (E2) being formed by a second plurality of projections (32), the second envelope (E2) having, from the extension axis (X), a radial extension which is shorter than the radial extension of the first envelope (E1). The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.