Mascara Applicator with Longitudinal Notches for Fiber Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mascara applicators with fiber brushes struggle to achieve complex envelope distributions, requiring difficult fiber cutting operations, whereas plastic brushes produce complex envelopes but lack the advantageous makeup characteristics of fiber brushes.
Innovation Solution
A mascara applicator design featuring a core with fibers forming a complex envelope with longitudinal notches of trapezoid shape, allowing for effective eyelash lengthening, curling, and loading, while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing through controlled cutting of twisted spindle fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber brushes are used, then fiber density and makeup characteristics are improved, but complex envelope distributions become difficult to obtain
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber brush envelope is segmented into distinct zones using longitudinal notches that divide the fiber distribution into functional sections. The notches create separated zones with different fiber radial extensions, allowing complex envelope distributions to be achieved through systematic segmentation rather than random fiber arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the fiber brush envelope are given different local qualities through the notches. Zones between notches have fibers with greater radial extension for gripping and lengthening, while the zone at the distal end has fibers with reduced radial extension for precision makeup, creating functionally differentiated areas within the same brush structure.
2Device complexity
If complex fiber cutting operations are used, then complex envelope distributions are achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are formed by making longitudinal incisions in the fiber brush envelope before the final fiber arrangement is complete. This preliminary action creates the structural framework for the complex envelope distribution, allowing subsequent fiber placement to follow a predetermined pattern rather than requiring complex cutting operations after assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating complex envelope distributions through complicated lateral cutting operations, the invention introduces a longitudinal dimension by making cuts along the length of the brush. This dimensional approach simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving the desired complex fiber distribution pattern.
3Ease of operation
If zones without notches are created at the distal end, then precision makeup areas are provided, but the overall envelope complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber brush envelope is segmented into distinct functional zones, with the distal end forming a separate zone without notches. This segmentation creates a dedicated precision makeup area that is structurally distinct from the gripping zones, allowing the brush to perform multiple functions through clear spatial division.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating precision capability by adding complex features throughout the brush, the invention inverts the approach by creating a simplified zone at the distal end where notches are deliberately omitted. This absence of notches in the precision zone provides the desired fine control capability while maintaining overall structural organization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The applicator effectively trains and lengthens eyelashes, provides precise makeup zones, and serves as a reservoir for cosmetic products, offering a higher fiber density than traditional plastic brushes with a simple manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
said notches having, in a plane transverse to said main direction, a trapezoid shape, said trapezoid being in particular isosceles, thus defining notches with two lateral edges and a bottom, said lateral edges forming obtuse angles with said bottom, said bottom being flat
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (10), comprising a core (11) and a plurality of fibers, said core (11) extending along a principal direction (X), said fibers being distributed along the core (11), between a proximal end (12) and a distal end (13) opposite along said principal direction (X), forming a sheath (E1-E3) which has at least two longitudinal notches (21-23), the fibers forming the bottom of the notches (21-23) having a first radial extension (e21-e23), said notches (21-23) extending so as to define, at said distal end (13), a notch-free zone (14, 14') defined by fibers whose radial extension (e14, e14') from the core (11) is less than or equal to said first extension radial (e21-e23). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an applicator (10) and a receptacle suitable for containing such an applicator (10).