Mascara Applicator With Segmented Supports and Variable Protuberance Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara applicators lack versatility in design and effectiveness in separating and coating eyelashes, often resulting in clumping due to uniform distribution of protuberances.
Innovation Solution
The design allows for varying configurations of supports on the applicator, with different arrangements of protuberances to create denser and less dense zones, enabling improved separation and coating of eyelashes by manipulating the position and density of protuberances, and using materials with different hardness for specific functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform distribution of protuberances is used on the applicator, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the eyelashes cannot be properly separated and coated, resulting in clumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating zones with different densities of protuberances on the brush supports. Some areas have higher density for coating effectiveness, while other areas have lower density for separation and combing effects. This non-uniform distribution allows different regions of the brush to perform specialized functions, resolving the contradiction between simple uniform structure and effective eyelash treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush is segmented into multiple supports (at least two), each capable of having different protuberance arrangements. This segmentation allows the creation of dense zones and sparse zones across the brush structure, enabling both coating and separation functions to be performed simultaneously by different segments of the applicator.
2Reliability
If dense zones with many protuberances are created for coating, then coating effectiveness improves, but the brush structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses identical or similar support structures that can be mass-produced, but arranges them in different configurations to create both dense zones for coating and sparse zones for separation. This universal support design maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving multi-functional performance through strategic arrangement rather than complex individual component design.
3Quantity of substance
If sparse areas with few protuberances are created for product collection, then product reserve capacity increases, but coating coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by distributing protuberances in three-dimensional space across multiple supports stacked along the applicator axis. Sparse areas collect product along the axial dimension, while dense areas provide coverage when the brush contacts the eyelashes. The multi-dimensional arrangement allows both product storage and application coverage to coexist effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
The applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes comprises a wand and a brush having at least two independent supports (22) that follow one another along an axis (20) of the wand, each support bearing protuberances (34, 36) that have respective feet (40). At least one group of four consecutive feet at least of each support forms a regular series around the axis, two of the feet of the group constituting two ends that end the series.