Hollow Rib Network Applicator for Fluid Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional applicators require complex and time-consuming flocking processes to absorb and store fluids, limiting their capacity to high viscosity fluids and resulting in weak depression structures that can only hold a thin film of fluid.
Innovation Solution
An applicator unit with a hollow, cage-like network of interconnected ribs that utilizes capillary action and surface tension to store fluids of varying viscosities internally, eliminating the need for flocking and allowing for a larger quantity of fluid to be absorbed, including those with lower viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If flocking process is used to enable fluid absorption and storage, then the applicator can store fluid in its recesses, but the manufacture becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the flocking layer from the applicator structure, replacing it with a hollow interior cavity that directly stores fluid. This removes the complex multi-step flocking manufacturing process while maintaining fluid storage capability through the hollow space formed by the applicator's internal geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator incorporates a porous or permeable wall structure that allows fluid to be absorbed into the hollow interior through capillary action. This porous design enables fluid uptake without requiring flocking, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the ability to store and release fluid effectively.
2Quantity of substance
If flocking is used to create depressions for fluid storage, then fluid can be absorbed, but only high viscosity fluids can be stored and the depressions are weak
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating external depressions through flocking to hold fluid, the invention inverts the approach by creating an internal hollow cavity that positively stores fluid. This inversion allows the applicator to hold larger quantities of fluid with stronger structural support, enabling storage of both high and low viscosity fluids without relying on weak surface depressions.
3Ease of operation
If flocking is applied to the outer circumferential surface, then the applicator can absorb fluid, but the process requires adhesive layer, flock fibers application, and curing time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the time-consuming flocking process entirely by using the hollow interior of the applicator for fluid storage. This eliminates the sequential steps of applying adhesive, embedding flock fibers, and allowing curing time, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining fluid absorption and storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator's hollow structure inherently provides fluid storage capability without requiring additional processing steps. The design itself serves the function of fluid retention, eliminating the need for external flocking materials and complex manufacturing procedures, thus reducing both time and resource consumption.
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 applicator unit efficiently stores and releases fluids of various viscosities without flocking, enhancing environmental compatibility and improving fluid distribution and application precision.
Implementation Method 1
the network retains a certain amount of fluid in its interior space after being immersed in and withdrawn from a fluid supply. Preferably, the fluid is retained by capillary action and/or surface tension.
Implementation Method 2
the network retains a certain amount of fluid in its interior space after being immersed in and withdrawn from a fluid supply. Preferably, the fluid is retained by capillary action and/or surface tension.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator unit includes an applicator and a fluid in the form of a flowable cosmetic or pharmaceutical to be applied to skin or hair, with an applicator organ which stores the fluid in an interior and is configured to distribute the fluid after release thereof, the applicator organ being a hollow body with a wall which delimits the interior and which is formed by a network of locally interconnected ribs, the interconnected ribs being spaced apart from one another, the interior space or the network are matched to the fluid for which the applicator is to apply such that the network retains a certain amount of fluid in the interior after being immersed in and withdrawn from a fluid supply and releases the fluid retained therein to an outside via interstices of the network when the network is deformed on contact with a surface to be treated.