Mascara Applicator with Concave Core and Asymmetric Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara applicators face challenges in providing sufficient cosmetic product load and good product restitution while maintaining flexibility and ease of application.
Innovation Solution
The applicator features a sleeve with a distal portion, a core with a single concave curvature, and protrusions that form an envelope surface with a continuous oblong cross-section, allowing for improved accessibility and application ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the applicator uses a cylindrical envelope shape, then the manufacturing is simple, but the accessibility to the area to be made up is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a single concave curvature on one side of the applicator envelope, creating an asymmetric shape that allows the applicator to reach into curved contours and hard-to-access areas. This asymmetric design with the concave curvature enables better contact with the area to be made up while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through injection molding processes.
2Ease of operation
If the applicator has protrusions on all sides, then the cosmetic product load is sufficient, but the applicator becomes obstructed when applying to curved areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the height of protrusions at different locations around the envelope. The protrusions on the first and second sides (opposite each other) have greater average height to provide sufficient cosmetic product load, while the protrusions on the third and fourth sides (adjacent to the concave curvature) have reduced height to prevent obstruction when applying to curved areas. This localized differentiation optimizes both product load and ease of application.
3Ease of manufacture
If the core is completely rectilinear, then the manufacturing is simple, but the applicator lacks flexibility needed for good makeup effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by introducing a single concave curvature in the core, transforming it from a completely rectilinear shape to one that includes a curved section. This curvature provides the necessary flexibility for achieving good makeup effects on curved surfaces like lashes and eyebrows, while the overall structure remains suitable for injection molding manufacturing. The concave curvature allows the applicator to adapt to curved contours while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for a cosmetic product includes a sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis (X), a core, and a plurality of protrusions. The core extends along a main axis (Y) from a first proximal end to a second opposite and free distal end. The main axis (Y) is entirely contained in one plane and comprising a single concave curvature towards a first side. The plurality of protrusions extends projectingly from the core towards a free end defining an envelope surface. The envelope surface has a cross-section along the main axis (Y) of continuous oblong shape along the entire length of the core and decreasing surface area from the proximal end to the distal end.