Dual-portion Mascara Applicator Protrusions for Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mascara applicators can be too rigid, causing a stinging sensation and excessive product application, failing to provide a comfortable and effective application experience.
Innovation Solution
The applicator features a dual-portion protrusion design with a rigid first portion for combing and a flexible second portion for product deposition, ensuring a soft application feel and controlled product distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the protrusions are made rigid for effective combing, then the combing function is improved, but the applicator causes a stinging sensation and excessive product application
Solution Approach 1:
Each protrusion is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with greater radial extension for combing, and a second portion with lesser radial extension for product deposition. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first portion provides rigidity for effective combing while the second portion provides flexibility to prevent stinging sensation
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the same protrusion have different physical characteristics. The first portion has greater radial extension making it stiffer and better for combing, while the second portion has lesser radial extension making it more flexible and softer for product application. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity for combing and flexibility for comfort
2Quantity of substance
If the internal diameter of the wiper is reduced to control product quantity, then excessive product application is prevented, but the applicator becomes too rigid and causes stinging sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is segmented into two portions that interact differently with the wiper. The first portion with greater radial extension contacts the wiper to control product quantity, while the second portion with lesser radial extension remains flexible to prevent stinging sensation during application
3Quantity of substance
If the radial extension of protrusions is increased for better product loading, then product deposition is improved, but the protrusions become too rigid and cause stinging sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion structure is segmented into a first portion with greater radial extension for effective product loading and a second portion with lesser radial extension for flexible product deposition. This allows the applicator to load sufficient product while maintaining softness during application
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the protrusion have different radial extensions creating local quality variations. The first portion's greater radial extension enables effective product loading while the second portion's lesser radial extension ensures flexibility and prevents stinging sensation during eyelash application
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (10) comprising a core (12) having a principal longitudinal extension direction (X), referred to as the principal direction, and a plurality of protrusions (20) projecting from said core (12) in a direction normal (Y) to said principal direction (X), at least one of said protrusions (20) comprising a first portion (21) having a proximal end (23) in contact with the core (12) and a distal end (24) opposite along said normal direction (Y), and a second portion (22) having a proximal end (25) at the level of the distal end (24) of said first portion (21) and a free distal end (26), said second portion (22) being angularly offset with respect to said first portion (21) such that said first and second portions (21, 22) are located on either side of a plane (P) containing said principal direction (X).The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.