Hinged Cosmetic Applicator with Nested Parts for Versatile Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicators lack versatility and ease of production, failing to provide new treatment or makeup effects while being cumbersome and difficult to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator with a hinged design featuring two parts, where one part is fixedly engaged in the other, allowing for different surface states and materials, enabling partial flocking for better product retention and spread, and incorporating reliefs for massaging or separating eyelashes/eyebrows, with the option to contain the product within the applicator without a separate reservoir.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cosmetic applicator uses a single-part design, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the versatility and ability to provide different treatment effects are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into two distinct parts: a first part with a housing and a second part that can be engaged with it. This segmentation allows each part to have different functions (e.g., one part for applying cosmetic product, another part for massaging or separating eyelashes), thereby increasing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be easily manufactured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cosmetic applicator includes multiple components for different functions, then the versatility improves, but the device becomes bulkier and more difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectsVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second part of the applicator is designed to be engaged within or alongside the first part, creating a nested or integrated configuration. This allows multiple functional components to be combined in a space-efficient manner, reducing bulkiness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If the applicator head contains the cosmetic product without a separate reservoir, then the device becomes less bulky and easier to manufacture, but the product storage capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebulkinessVSAvoidproduct capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cosmetic product storage function is merged directly into the applicator head structure itself, rather than requiring a separate reservoir. The housing of the first part or the engagement space between parts serves as the product container, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing overall bulkiness while maintaining adequate product capacity for application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11064798B2Applicator member comprising two assembled parts

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 LOREAL SA

AI summary

An applicator member for applying a cosmetic product to human keratin materials, including an applicator head having two opposite faces, the applicator head including: a first part having at least one housing, and a second part that is connected to the first part by a hinge and is at least partially engaged in the housing of the first part, wherein the first and second parts are both accessible from each of the faces of the applicator head.