Mascara Applicator Pin Geometry for Product Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara applicators with pins fail to effectively transfer cosmetic product to the pins and apply it properly to eyelashes for lengthening, thickening, and separation.
Innovation Solution
The applicator features a central elongated soul with a row of elongated pins, where at least one pin is defined by a first flat side and a second flat side forming an angle of around 180°, with a first embedded zone and a second zone featuring juxtaposed portions and bulges, optimizing product load and eyelash separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional twisted metal wire bristles are used, then the brush structure is simple, but the cosmetic product cannot be correctly transferred from the reservoir to the bristles and properly applied to the eyelashes
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is segmented into distinct functional zones: a loading zone with flat-faced pins for product collection, a transition zone with angled pins for product transfer, and an application zone with properly oriented pins for eyelash application. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between product transfer accuracy and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the brush have different pin configurations tailored to their specific functions. The loading zone has pins with flat faces for product collection, while the application zone has pins oriented at specific angles for proper eyelash coating. This local differentiation ensures high product transfer accuracy without requiring the entire brush structure to be complex.
2Quantity of substance
If pins with flat faces are used to collect mascara, then the flat faces can collect product, but the non-flat faces do not help with eyelash separation and multiple strokes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is divided into a loading zone with flat-faced pins for product collection and an application zone with pins having faces oriented at specific angles for efficient eyelash separation. This segmentation allows the brush to perform both functions effectively in a single pass, improving productivity while maintaining loading capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush design preliminarily prepares the product on the flat-faced pins in the loading zone, then immediately transfers and applies it through the angled pins in the application zone. This preliminary action ensures that the product is ready for application and reduces the need for multiple strokes, thereby improving application efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If pins are arranged in rows parallel to the longitudinal axis with flat faces aligned, then the structure is organized, but the back and forth movement does not allow for optimal product distribution or appropriate eyelash separation
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining the organized row structure for ease of manufacture, the pin faces are oriented at different angles in different zones. The loading zone has flat-faced pins for product collection, while the application zone has pins with faces angled relative to the longitudinal axis for optimal product distribution and eyelash separation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing regularity and application precision.
4Quantity of substance
If the user makes several strokes over lashes while reversing brush movement to ensure enough mascara collection, then adequate product loading is achieved, but the application process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brush integrates both product collection and application functions in a single unified structure with distinct zones. The flat-faced pins in the loading zone collect product while the angled pins in the application zone simultaneously apply it to the eyelashes, eliminating the need for multiple separate strokes and reducing application time.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both product collection and application in a single action. The different pin configurations within the same brush allow it to fulfill multiple functions simultaneously, thereby achieving adequate mascara loading while minimizing the time required for application.
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4A~8C
Figure 9A~13C
AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator device for a fluid or paste-type product on keratin fibers, comprising an elongated central core extending along a longitudinal axis XX, at least one row of elongated pins comprising a first end embedded on the core and a second free end.According to the invention, at least one of the pins is delimited by a flat face coinciding with a longitudinal plane of the device, called reference plane P, which extends radially with respect to the core, said at least one pin comprises a first zone (22) embedded on the core and of substantially constant cross-section, and a second zone (23) of variable cross-section located substantially in the longitudinal extension of said first zone (22), the second zone (23) comprising at least a first portion (231) juxtaposed and in the extension of the first zone (22), and a second portion (232) juxtaposed overlapping with the first portion (231) according to said reference plane P.