Lotion Applicator Head for Controlled Sun-Cream Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Applying sun-cream often results in unwanted distribution to non-target areas, such as the palms of the hands, causing slipperiness and hindering grip, particularly for sportspeople who need a secure hold on their equipment.

Innovation Solution

A device with a resiliently deformable body containing a receptacle and a head with apertures, connected by a fluid connection, featuring an absorbent applicator that allows controlled application of lotion directly to the skin, minimizing spread to unwanted areas and ensuring even coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If lotion is applied using conventional methods, then lotion can be applied to the skin, but it distributes to unwanted areas such as palms causing slipperiness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled applicationVSAvoidunwanted distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary applicator head with apertures between the lotion reservoir and the skin. This intermediary component controls the distribution of lotion by releasing it through controlled apertures directly onto the skin surface, preventing unwanted spread to palms and other areas while maintaining ease of application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator head features locally varied properties with multiple apertures of different sizes distributed across its surface. This local quality variation enables precise control over lotion distribution patterns, allowing targeted application to specific skin areas while preventing spread to unwanted regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the applicator head is made rigid, then lotion can be rubbed into skin contours effectively, but the applicator cannot deform to fit skin contours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication precisionVSAvoidcontour adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid head portion containing apertures for precise lotion release, and a separate flexible applicator portion for contour adaptation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function - the rigid head provides manufacturing precision for controlled lotion application, while the flexible portion provides adaptability to skin contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator employs composite construction combining rigid materials for the head portion to maintain structural integrity and aperture precision, with flexible materials for the applicator portion to enable contour following. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between rigidity for precision and flexibility for adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the body is made resiliently deformable, then lotion can be dispensed by squeezing, but the body cannot maintain its shape for stable handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelotion dispensingVSAvoidshape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The body is designed with dynamic characteristics, being resiliently deformable to enable easy squeezing for lotion dispensing, yet capable of returning to its original shape to maintain stability during handling. This dynamic property allows the body to transition between compressed and relaxed states, providing both ease of operation and shape stability as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and controlled application of sun-cream to targeted areas, maintaining grip and preventing slipperiness, while ensuring adequate coverage and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

an absorbent applicator capping the rigid first surface of said head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a body, the body being resiliently deformable and defining a receptacle for storing lotion therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

squeezing the body to transfer a portion of lotion stored in the receptacle into the head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20260007222A1Device for dispensing and applying lotion

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SOLEX SUN PROTECTION LTD

AI summary

There is provided a device (1) for dispensing and applying lotion, such as sun-cream. The device comprises a body (3). The body (3) is resiliently deformable and defines a receptacle (21) for storing lotion therein. The device also comprises a head (5) having defined therein one or more apertures (57) extending over an area defining a rigid first surface of the head (5). The body (3) and the head (5) are connected such that a fluid connection exists between the receptacle (21) and the one or more apertures (57) of the head (5). The device also comprises an absorbent applicator (7) capping the rigid first surface of said head (5). The absorbent applicator (7) supported by the rigid first surface of the head (5) may be used to apply sun-cream to a user.