Mascara Applicator Movable Element Uniform Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mascara applicators face challenges in ensuring sufficient product load and effective restitution while maintaining flexibility for application.

Innovation Solution

The applicator features a soul with a mobile element extending along its length, allowing for pressure-induced displacement and even distribution of cosmetic product, along with protuberances for enhanced application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pressure is applied to fixed elements in conventional applicators, then elastic deformation occurs causing central pinching and non-uniform distribution, but the movable element design enables uniform distribution over the entire core length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidapplicator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed elements into movable elements that can shift position along the core when pressure is applied. Instead of relying on elastic deformation of fixed elements, the movable element design allows the element to physically relocate, distributing cosmetic product uniformly across the entire core length. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction between achieving uniform distribution and maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If a larger core cross-section is used to improve product loading, then better product capacity is achieved, but applicator flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct loading capacityVSAvoidapplicator flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the applicator into two functional parts: a thin, flexible core that maintains ease of operation and accessibility, and a movable element that provides the necessary product loading capacity. This segmentation allows the core to remain slender and flexible while the movable element, which can extend over part or all of the core length, supplies sufficient cosmetic product. The movable element acts as an independent functional unit that can be optimized for product capacity without compromising the core's flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If longer protuberances are used to increase product load, then more cosmetic product is carried, but eyelash combing effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecosmetic product loadVSAvoideyelash combing
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the element that carries the cosmetic product movable rather than fixed. When pressure is applied during application, the movable element shifts position along the core, dynamically adjusting the distribution of cosmetic product. This allows the use of shorter protuberances that can effectively comb eyelashes, while the movable element ensures sufficient product is loaded and distributed uniformly across all protuberances during the application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design achieves better loading and distribution of cosmetic product, allowing for a maximum volume effect and improved flexibility of the applicator, enabling both efficient product application and reduced protuberance length for better eyelash combing.

Implementation Method 1

pressure on the movable element causes it to move relative to the core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced displacement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3958708B1Applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, associated applicator assembly and method for producing such an applicator
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • EP3958708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3958708B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3958708B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an applicator (1) for a cosmetic product, comprising: - a core (2) extending in a direction of longitudinal extension (X), referred to as the main direction, - at least one movable element (5) extending along all or part of a length of the core (2) from a first end (5a) attached to the core (2) to a second end (5b) that is freely movable in relation to the core (2), the core (2) and/or the at least one movable element (5) comprising a plurality of protruding projections (7.1, 7.2).