Mascara Applicator with Offset Molded Core and Longitudinal Spline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mascara applicators fail to provide precise and detailed application of mascara to all eyelashes, including smaller and corner lashes, due to limited design options and functionality, requiring unnatural hand movements and multiple applicators.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic applicator with a molded core and application elements such as tines or bristles, featuring a transition portion and a spline for improved handling and application, allowing for extra-long elements and varying cross-sections to facilitate precise application and comfortable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional mascara applicators with uniformly spaced bristles are used, then the applicator can deposit mascara onto eyelashes, but it cannot provide precise and detailed application to all eyelashes including smaller and corner lashes
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head features non-uniformly spaced bristles with varying lengths and densities in different zones. The distal end has shorter, sparser bristles for precise corner lash application, while the proximal end has longer, denser bristles for general lash coverage. This local differentiation allows the single applicator to precisely target different lash types and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator head is divided into multiple functional zones along its length, with each zone containing bristles of specific lengths and spacing patterns. This segmentation enables different portions of the applicator to perform specialized functions (general coating, precise application, corner lashes) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility.
2Length of moving object
If the applicator head is designed with extra-long application elements for enhanced performance, then lengthening and curling power is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core and bristle support structure are integrally molded as a single piece, combining multiple structural elements (core, bristle anchors, transition portions) into one unified component. This merging reduces assembly complexity while supporting extra-long bristles, resolving the contradiction between enhanced performance and structural simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If molded applicator heads with extensive design options are used, then application precision and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves precise bristle arrangements by varying key parameters (bristle length, spacing, density) within the molded design rather than using complex post-molding assembly processes. The integral molding process accommodates these parameter variations through optimized mold cavity design, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the applicator requires unnatural hand movements to cover all eyelashes, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is designed to perform multiple functions (general lash coating, precise application, corner lash targeting, lash separation) within a single unified structure. This multi-functionality allows the user to achieve comprehensive coverage with natural hand movements, eliminating the need to switch between different applicators or perform unnatural maneuvers.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic applicator for applying a composition, the cosmetic applicator comprising a rod having a central longitudinal axis and a distal end of the rod is connected to an applicator head. The applicator head comprises a molded core and a plurality of tines projecting outwardly from the core. The core is elongated along a central longitudinal axis which does not coincide or intersect with the central longitudinal axis of the rod. The core further includes at least one longitudinal spline running along the central longitudinal axis of the core for entire length of the core, the at least one longitudinal spline is free of tines and wherein an end of the spline of the core contacts an outer edge of a transition portion of the applicator head.