Mascara Applicator Branches with Multi-Directional Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic applicators, particularly mascara brushes, face challenges in achieving flexibility and effective makeup application due to rigid core designs and limited flexibility in protuberances, which can lead to unsatisfactory makeup effects.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a structural support element with articulating branches that allow flexibility in multiple directions, shifting the flexibility focus from protuberances to the branches themselves, and includes a joint that connects the support and branches, allowing for a range of motion that enhances makeup application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If molded applicators with rigid cores and flexible protuberances are used, then structural support is improved, but flexibility and makeup effect are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into multiple independent branches (typically 3-5) that are articulated to the support structure. Each branch can move independently, providing flexibility while maintaining overall structural support through the rigid support element.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation mechanism allows the branches to dynamically adjust their position and orientation in response to external forces (such as contact with eyelashes). This dynamic capability enables the applicator to adapt its shape during use, combining rigid support with flexible operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexibility is sought in protuberances design, then adaptability is improved, but structural complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexibility function is extracted from the protuberances and relocated to the branches. The protuberances remain simple, rigid elements attached to the flexible branches, eliminating the need for complex flexible protuberance designs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The branches serve as an intermediary element between the rigid support and the protuberances. They provide the necessary flexibility and adaptability, allowing the simple protuberances to achieve complex motion patterns through their attachment to the articulated branches.
3Ease of operation
If branches flexibility in multiple directions is implemented, then makeup effect is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and articulation mechanism are merged into a single integrated component. This combining of elements simplifies the manufacturing process while still enabling multi-directional branch flexibility, as the articulation features are built directly into the support structure rather than being separate assemblies.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (10), particularly for mascara, extending along a principal longitudinal direction, referred to as the principal direction (X), between a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14) opposite said proximal end (12). The applicator (10) comprises a structural support element, referred to as the support (20), and at least one arm (30). The support (20) and the arm (30) are connected to each other by means of a joint (40), the joint (40) being integral with the support (20). The support (20) and the arm (30) extend along said principal direction (X), and the support (20), the arm (30), and the joint (40) are designed to allow flexibility of the arm (30) in more than one direction of an orthonormal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) attached to the applicator (10). The invention also relates to an applicator assembly comprising such an applicator (10).