Lip Applicator With Peripheral Gutter For Contour Definition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional makeup application methods for lips, such as using lipsticks and buffers, are time-consuming and often result in an unsatisfactory, uneven contour, particularly at the 'Cupid's bow' area, leading to imperfections and the need for correction.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator with a body shaped to complement the lips, featuring a hollow central region and a peripheral line with a gutter or absorbent material that allows for the accumulation and application of more product on the contour, ensuring a neat and uniform application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional lipstick is used to apply makeup by gliding, then the application is simple and quick, but the contour precision and neatness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication speedVSAvoidcontour precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is segmented into distinct functional zones: a peripheral line for contour application and a central region for interior coverage. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, with the peripheral line providing precise contour definition while the central region efficiently covers the lip interior, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator implements local quality by equipping the peripheral line with means for preferred application (such as a gutter or absorbent material) that concentrate cosmetic product at the contour line. This localized enhancement of product density at the periphery ensures neat contour definition while maintaining overall application efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If makeup application buffers are used to apply product by pressure, then the contour neatness improves, but the application time increases and the Cupid's bow area becomes overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontour neatnessVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator applies local quality by concentrating cosmetic product preferentially at the peripheral contour line through the gutter or absorbent material, rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized product concentration achieves neat contour definition without overloading specific areas like the Cupid's bow, while the complementary shape ensures efficient single-step application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying product uniformly and then attempting to define contours, the invention inverts the approach by pre-concentrating product at the contour line through the gutter structure before application. This reversal of the traditional application sequence achieves precise contours without requiring subsequent correction steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If a liner and conventional lipstick are used separately to produce contour and cover interior, then the makeup quality improves, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup qualityVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of contour definition and interior coverage into a single applicator device. The peripheral line with preferred application means handles contour definition while the central region simultaneously provides interior coverage, eliminating the need for separate liner and lipstick application steps while maintaining high makeup quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator embodies multi-functionality by integrating both contour and interior application capabilities in one device. The peripheral line structure provides contour definition functionality while the central region provides interior coverage functionality, allowing the single applicator to replace multiple specialized tools and streamline the makeup process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2760311B1Applicator for applying cosmetic product on the lips of a user and associated application method
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 LOREAL SA
  • EP2760311B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2760311B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2760311B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

This applicator comprises an application surface (16), the application surface (16) having a central region (22) and a peripheral contour line (24) analogous to the contour of the lips of a human being. The central region (22) and the peripheral line (24) being intended to receive the cosmetic product. The peripheral line (24) comprises preferred means (26) for application of the cosmetic product on the lips of the user for applying, opposite the peripheral line (24), a surface mass of cosmetic product that is greater than the surface mass applied opposite the central region (22).