Mascara Applicator With Alternating Helix Winding Directions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mascara applicators face challenges in balancing load distribution and flexibility, making it difficult to find a compromise between effective product restitution and comfortable use, as the pitch of the helix affects both the combing and lash volume, leading to inconsistent make-up effects.
Innovation Solution
An applicator design with at least two arms extending along a main axis, featuring portions that wind in different directions, alternating between application and storage areas, allowing for efficient product restitution and application without excess product, and providing ease and comfort of use regardless of rotation direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pitch of the helix is increased to improve combing effect, then the applicator becomes less flexible, but this reduces comfort of use and load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into multiple arms (at least two) that can be independently configured with different winding directions and pitches. This segmentation allows each arm to be optimized for specific functions - some arms can provide combing effect while others maintain flexibility, resolving the contradiction between combing performance and comfort of use.
2Ease of operation
If the pitch of the helix is decreased to improve flexibility and comfort, then the applicator becomes too flexible for effective combing, but this compromises the combing effect
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the applicator arms have different local qualities - specifically, different winding directions and pitches in different sections. This allows the applicator to have regions optimized for combing (stiffer, appropriate pitch) and regions optimized for flexibility (different pitch), simultaneously achieving both combing effect and comfort of use.
3Device complexity
If a single helix direction is used to simplify manufacturing, then the applicator structure is simple, but this limits the ability to provide both combing and lash volume effects
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator employs asymmetric design with arms winding in different directions (clockwise and counter-clockwise) around the central axis. This asymmetric configuration enables the applicator to provide multiple make-up effects (combing, lash volume) simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of single-direction helices while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the arms are made with varying cross-section to optimize performance, then the applicator provides better load distribution, but this increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator arms feature variable cross-sectional parameters along their length, with the cross-section changing from the proximal end to the distal end. This parameter variation optimizes load distribution and mechanical performance while the consistent pattern of variation keeps manufacturing complexity manageable through standardized production processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising at least two arms extending along a main longitudinal axis of extension, referred to as the main axis (X), from a proximal end extended by a sleeve towards a free distal end opposite to the proximal end, at least one of the arms comprises at least two portions (A, B, C), at least one of the portions (A, B, C) presenting a longitudinally winding of a different direction.