Mascara Applicator with Segmented Pins for Lash Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mascara applicators fail to efficiently transfer and apply mascara to eyelashes, either due to uneven distribution of bristles or the design of spikes, leading to insufficient mascara loading and poor lash separation.
Innovation Solution
A brush with a conical core and radially arranged pins, where each row has alternating flat and non-flat faces oriented in both directions around the core, ensuring effective mascara loading and lash separation, and a flexible, yet rigid structure for easy use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional brushes with uniform bristle distribution are used, then the structure is simple, but the mascara transfer and application efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length, with each zone having pins of different lengths and configurations. This segmentation allows different sections to perform specialized functions (loading, separating, applying) thereby improving overall productivity without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire brush structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the brush are given different local qualities through varying pin lengths, spacing, and orientations. The proximal section has longer pins for loading, the intermediate section has medium-length pins for separation, and the distal section has shorter pins for precise application. This local differentiation optimizes performance at each stage of the mascara application process
2Quantity of substance
If pins with flat faces are used to improve mascara loading, then the loading efficiency improves, but the eyelash separation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brush pins are segmented into different types based on their function: some pins have flat faces optimized for loading mascara, while other pins have non-flat faces optimized for separating eyelashes. This segmentation allows the brush to perform both functions simultaneously through different pins rather than requiring a single pin type to do both
Solution Approach 2:
Individual pins are given different local qualities in terms of face geometry. Pins in certain rows have flat faces that efficiently collect and hold mascara product, while pins in adjacent rows have non-flat faces that create spacing and separation between eyelashes. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between loading and separating functions
3Ease of manufacture
If all pins in a row have flat faces on the same side, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the mascara distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin arrangement introduces controlled asymmetry by alternating the orientation of flat faces between adjacent rows. While each individual row maintains simplicity with all pins having flat faces on the same side, the alternating pattern between rows creates a more complex three-dimensional configuration that improves mascara distribution uniformity across the entire brush surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 3c~4c
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for applying a fluid or a pasty cosmetic product, typically mascara, including: a core (4) formed of a plastic body of a circular, flexible, non-upright section, having a longitudinal axis and two ends (2, 3), one of which is to be attached to a manual grasping means; and a plurality of spikes (5) preferably having a flat surface (7) and provided so as to project radially from said core (4), said spikes (5) being distributed along a plurality of rows (6) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X5X’) of said core (4), and such that within a single row (6), the spikes (5) are positioned on both sides of a central line (9) of said row (6) with the flat surface (7) thereof turned towards the inside of the row. The invention comprises said plastic body (4) being in a tapered form, the widest diameter of which is on the end to be attached to the manual grasping means, and said flat surfaces (7) of the spikes (5) of a single row (6) extend perpendicularly to said tapered core and are lined up along the central line, the flat surfaces being thus oriented in both gyratory directions around the core (4).