Mascara Applicator Tip Asperities Prevent Clumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mascara applicators with end pieces tend to accumulate product, leading to clumping on eyelashes and uneven distribution due to reduced brush surface area, which existing designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A mascara applicator device featuring a rod with a transverse dimension D1, an applicator element with a core covered by asperities that fit within a cylindrical envelope of diameter D3 (0.4D1 < D3 < 0.99D1) and length L3 (0.05L2 < L3 < 0.5L2), where the asperities define a second envelope with a transverse dimension D4 ≥ D1, allowing for optimal wiping and uniform product application without excessive accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an end piece is added to the applicator to treat eyelash ends, then the ability to make up eyelash ends is improved, but product accumulation and clumping occur on the tip
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is designed with asymmetric geometry where only specific zones (distal zone and lateral zones) have product-retaining structures, while other areas maintain smooth surfaces for uniform product distribution. This localized functional differentiation allows the tip to treat eyelash ends without excessive product accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator tip is divided into multiple functional zones: a proximal zone for general application, a distal zone for eyelash end treatment, and lateral zones for targeted application. Each zone has specific geometric features that control product distribution, preventing clumping while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an end piece is added to the applicator, then the ability to make up eyelash ends is improved, but the brush surface area is reduced leading to uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece incorporates smooth surface areas that maintain product flow and distribution capabilities, combined with localized product-retaining zones. This ensures that sufficient brush surface area remains available for uniform mascara distribution while providing targeted treatment for eyelash ends.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the core diameter is increased to reduce product accumulation, then product distribution is improved, but the wiping effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The core is designed with asymmetric geometry where specific regions have larger diameters to reduce product accumulation, while other regions maintain smaller diameters to ensure effective wiping by the wiping member. This localized dimensional variation optimizes both product distribution and wiping effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures uniform application of mascara to all eyelashes, preventing clumps by minimizing product residue on the core and ensuring homogeneous distribution, while facilitating manufacturing and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the rod slides through the wiping member
Implementation Method 2
the core being geometrically comprised inside a first cylindrical envelope of diameter D3 and of length L3 such that 0.4D1 < D3 < 0.99D1 and 0.05L2 < L3 < 0.5L2, and the asperities laterally delimit a second envelope
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a container (2) for containing a cosmetic and/or dermatological product (P). An applicator (1) has an applicator element (6) axially extending a rod (5). A plastic tip (9) covers a distal part of the applicator element, where the tip is made of elastomer. The tip has a core covered by asperities. The asperities laterally define another cover having a transverse dimension higher than or equal to nominal transverse dimension of the rod.