Mascara Applicator Radial Plate Reservoir Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for cosmetic products, such as mascara, fail to consistently load and coat eyelashes effectively, leading to inefficient application and product usage.
Innovation Solution
An applicator design featuring a polygonal core with radially projecting plates and teeth, where the plates form angular interstices that act as a cosmetic product reservoir, and the teeth help in combing and separating eyelashes, ensuring consistent loading and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional applicator designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the cosmetic product loading consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator core is segmented into multiple radial plates arranged in rows, creating distinct zones for product retention and application. This segmentation allows consistent product distribution across the brush surface while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the applicator are given different functions: radial plates create retention zones for product storage, interstices provide access channels, and teeth provide combing functionality. This local differentiation improves product loading consistency without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple radial rows of plates are added to improve product retention, then the product retention increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial plates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they create retention zones for product storage, define interstices for product access, and work with teeth for lash combing. This multi-functionality increases product retention without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plates are arranged in nested radial rows around the core, with each row contributing to product retention while fitting within the overall applicator geometry. This nested arrangement maximizes product capacity without linearly increasing the external dimensions or manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If plates are made as separate components, then the manufacturing flexibility is high, but the production complexity and rigidity control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The core and radial plates are merged into a single molded piece, eliminating separate assembly steps while maintaining the functional benefits of the radial plate structure. This integration simplifies production by reducing part count and assembly operations, while the molded design allows for manufacturing flexibility through material and geometry adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an applicator (10) for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core (12) that extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the extension axis (X), and a plurality of protuberances (31, 32) projecting radially from the core (12), said protuberances (31, 32) being moulded from the same material as the core (12). The plurality of protuberances (31, 32) forms at least one row of plates (31) aligned around the core (12) at a same transverse section of the core (12), referred to as a radial row of plates (R31), so as to form angular gaps (37) between said plates (31). The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.