Mascara Applicator Trough Design for Eyelash Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara applicators are inefficient in loading and separating eyelashes due to their cylindrical shape and the space taken up by spikes or combs, which obstruct visibility and access during application.
Innovation Solution
An applicator design featuring a brush with a trough that surrounds the application member over an angular extent greater than 60 degrees, allowing for better visibility and access, and promoting the formation of an application ridge for enhanced product loading and combing, while minimizing the space in front of the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical brush is used for applying mascara, then the brush structure is simple, but the effectiveness in loading eyelashes with product and separating eyelashes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is segmented into distinct functional zones: a combing zone with spaced bristles for separating eyelashes, and an application zone with denser bristles for product loading. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and application effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the brush have different bristle densities and configurations. The combing zone has lower bristle density for separation, while the application zone has higher density for product loading. This local variation in quality enables the brush to simultaneously achieve both eyelash separation and efficient product application.
2Productivity
If spikes or combs are added to the applicator for combing eyelashes, then the combing effectiveness is improved, but the space taken up in front of the eye increases, obstructing visibility and access
Solution Approach 1:
The combing function and product application function are merged into a single integrated brush structure. The combing zone with spaced bristles performs both combing and initial product pickup, eliminating the need for separate spike or comb attachments that would obstruct visibility and access.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush is designed as a multi-functional applicator where the same bristle structure performs multiple functions: combing eyelashes, loading with product, and applying mascara. This universal design eliminates the need for additional components that would take up space in front of the eye.
3Device complexity
If the brush is cut to make space for spikes, then the spikes can be accommodated, but the bristles may be deformed by the support
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional spike support structure is extracted and replaced with an integrated brush design where the combing function is achieved through the brush bristles themselves. This eliminates the need to cut the brush or add separate spike supports that would cause bristle deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for applying a product to keratinous materials, in particular keratinous fibers, notably the eyelashes, the eyebrows and/or the capillary fibers. The applicator including an application member for applying the product on the keratinous materials, in particular the keratinous fibers, notably the eyelashes, the eyebrows and/or the capillary fibers, and a trough at least partially surrounding the application member, when the applicator is viewed in cross section, over an angular extent greater than 60°.