Mascara Applicator Core with Alternating Depression and Prominence Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mascara applicators lack the ability to effectively distribute and apply mascara for enhanced eyelash thickening, lengthening, and separation, due to limitations in design and product loading mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A mascara applicator with a core featuring alternating cylindrical depression zones for product storage and spherical prominence zones for combing, allowing for improved product distribution and application, including a unique arrangement of nested casings and inclined protuberances for efficient product loading and eyelash handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional molded applicators with uniform core structure are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but product distribution is insufficient for enhanced eyelash effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct distribution uniformityVSAvoidcore structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The core is segmented into alternating depression zones and prominence zones along its longitudinal axis. The depression zones (cylindrical sections) store mascara product while the prominence zones (spherical sections) comb and separate eyelashes. This segmentation enables differentiated functions along the brush length, improving product distribution and eyelash effect without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones of the core are given different local qualities: depression zones have a concave cylindrical geometry optimized for product storage and release, while prominence zones have a convex spherical geometry optimized for combing and separating eyelashes. This local differentiation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, enhancing overall applicator performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If fine grooves are used for product storage, then the applicator structure remains simple, but load zones are too small for effective mascara distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemascara load capacityVSAvoidcore geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using fine grooves throughout the core, the invention segments the core into distinct depression zones with cylindrical geometry. These depression zones create large, accessible load zones for mascara storage and distribution, significantly increasing the quantity of product that can be effectively held and applied compared to traditional fine groove designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If protuberances are arranged in multiple nested casings with inclined orientations, then eyelash combing and separation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeyelash combing efficiencyVSAvoidmolded structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple functional elements into a single molded core structure. The alternating depression and prominence zones, along with the nested casing formation from protuberances, are all created in one molding operation. This integration maintains ease of manufacture while achieving complex functionality for effective eyelash combing and separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The prominence zones are formed with spherical curvature, creating rounded protuberances that naturally comb and separate eyelashes more effectively than sharp or angular shapes. The spherical geometry also facilitates the formation of nested casings when multiple protuberances are arranged in rows, improving eyelash handling while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3078297B1Cosmetic-product applicator and related applicator unit
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • EP3078297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3078297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Applicator 1 for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising: - a core 2 extending along a main axis X of longitudinal extension and having two ends; - a plurality of protrusions 4 extending projecting from the core 2 and being molded with the core 2. This applicator is characterized in that the core 2 has a plurality of depression zones for product storage, alternating with prominence zones for combing eyelashes, succeeding each other axially along its axis X, said depression zones 12 consisting of cylindrical sections 1.