Personalized Lip Applicator via 3D Scan and Additive Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying cosmetic compositions to lips fail to provide a personalized, accurate, and harmonious make-up look, especially for individuals with unique lip shapes or those with visual or motor skills challenges, leading to unsatisfactory results and reduced frequency of lip make-up application.

Innovation Solution

A method involving 3D scanning of the lips to create a personalized applicator with a reworked outline that diverges from the natural shape, allowing for precise application of cosmetic compositions, enabling quick and accurate make-up application without the need for mirrors or extensive training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard applicator with predetermined mouth shape is used, then the application process is simple, but it does not conform to the three-dimensional morphology of individual lips and leaves regions uncovered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication process simplicityVSAvoidconformance to lip morphology
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a 3D scan of the user's lips in advance to capture the exact morphology, then uses this data to generate a personalized applicator design before manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures the applicator will perfectly conform to the individual's lip shape, solving the problem of standard applicators leaving regions uncovered while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the applicator outline follows the natural lip outline, then the application is easy, but it is difficult to achieve an attractive result for individuals with thin, wide, asymmetric or badly proportioned lips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication easeVSAvoidaesthetic quality of make-up
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to define a desired outline in advance through image processing and 3D model generation, before the applicator is manufactured. This preliminary design phase enables individuals with thin, wide, or asymmetric lips to create an aesthetically pleasing outline that diverges from their natural lip shape, while the pre-personalized applicator ensures easy and accurate application without requiring manual outlining skill.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the user's lips through scanning, then generates a modified 3D model that incorporates the desired outline. This digital copying and modification process allows the user to visualize and adjust the makeup effect before manufacturing the physical applicator, ensuring both aesthetic quality and ease of application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If successive removals and reapplications of make-up are performed to achieve a satisfactory result, then the outline accuracy may improve, but the procedure becomes lengthy and irritates the mucous membranes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutline accuracyVSAvoidmake-up application time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the complex task of outline design and applicator customization in advance, before the actual makeup application. The personalized applicator is manufactured with the exact desired outline already incorporated, allowing the user to achieve accurate results in a single application without repeated removals and reapplications, thereby saving time and avoiding mucous membrane irritation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If a pencil is used to create clean outlines, then the make-up look may be cleaner, but it is not always easy to use especially when not wishing to follow the natural outline of the lips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutline cleanlinessVSAvoidpencil application ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the user's lips and the desired outline, then uses this digital model to manufacture a physical applicator that embodies the exact outline design. This copying process transfers the complexity of outline design from the application phase to the manufacturing phase, resulting in a clean, precise outline that is applied easily without requiring manual pencil work or adherence to natural lip contours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3697257B1Method for manufacturing a personalized applicator for the application of a cosmetic composition
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 LOREAL SA
  • EP3697257B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3697257B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4(b)
  • EP3697257B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~6(c)

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a personalized applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic composition to the lips, this applicator (1) comprising an application surface (2) made from a material that can become loaded with composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) performing a 3D scan of the topography of at least part of the surface of the lips, and b) from at least said scan, creating at least part of the applicator (1) or a mold used for the manufacture thereof, by machining a preform or by additive manufacturing.