Mascara Applicator Partial Thread Axial Unmolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process for cosmetic product applicators, such as mascara, is inefficient due to the need for rotational unmolding of parts with screw threads, which lengthens cycle times and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic product applicator with a molded interface zone that carries a partial thread for screwing onto a receptacle, allowing axial unmolding without rotational movement, and an overmolded connecting piece between the rod and cap for improved sealing and production efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a full screw thread is provided on the applicator part for screwing onto the receptacle, then the screwing and unscrewing function is reliable, but the manufacturing cycle time increases due to rotational unmolding requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrewing function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a partial thread (less than one complete turn) instead of a full screw thread. This partial threading provides sufficient screwing and unscrewing functionality while allowing the mold to be opened axially without rotation, thereby reducing manufacturing cycle time while maintaining reliable attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Productivity

If a partial thread is used to enable axial unmolding, then the manufacturing cycle time is reduced, but the screwing and unscrewing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing productivityVSAvoidscrewing function reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partial thread design provides just enough threading engagement to ensure reliable screwing and unscrewing operations. The thread is interrupted angularly but maintains sufficient contact area and mechanical engagement to guarantee functional reliability while enabling axial mold opening for faster production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the interface zone is formed as a separate part, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the number of parts and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface zone is integrated directly onto the rod through overmolding, combining what could have been separate components into a single unified part. This reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the functional benefits of a dedicated interface zone for thread formation and sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional molding methods are used without overmolding, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but sealing performance and production efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interface zone is created using overmolding technology that combines different materials or material states in a single component. This composite construction provides superior sealing performance and structural integrity compared to traditional single-material molding, while the integrated design maintains manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3166862B1Cosmetic product (mascara) applicator, receptacle, manufacturing method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.12.16 ALBEA SERVICES SAS

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Figure 2~6
Figure 7a~7e

AI summary

The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, said applicator being designed to be screwed onto a product container. The applicator comprises a cap (22) intended to be held by the user, a rod (24) intended to support an applicator tip, and a moulded interface zone (30) on which the lid (22) and/or the rod (24) are mounted, said interface zone (30) having a screw thread (32) for screwing the applicator (20) onto the container (10), said screw thread forming less than one full turn.