Mascara Brush Cleaning Chamber With Agitating Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to effectively remove dry, matted mascara residue from mascara applicator brushes, leading to premature discarding and increased product waste due to reduced applicator efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic applicator cleaning apparatus with a housing and cleaning prongs that agitate the brush bristles in a cleaning solution, removing dried mascara residue by rotating the brush within the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing cleaning devices (membrane or wiping member at bottle opening) are used to remove excess mascara, then some mascara removal is achieved, but dry matted clumps remain on the brush and cleaning is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
A removable cleaning assembly with multiple prongs acts as an intermediary tool between the brush and the cleaning solvent. The prongs mechanically agitate the brush bristles to loosen dried mascara while the solvent chemically dissolves the residue, providing complete cleaning that neither membrane nor wiping member alone could achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly changes the physical state of dried mascara from a hardened, matted condition to a softened, soluble state through mechanical agitation combined with chemical exposure. The prongs physically break up the matted structure while the solvent penetrates and dissolves the mascara pigments and binders
2Loss of substance
If the applicator brush is discarded when it becomes clumped and matted, then cleaning time is saved, but mascara product is wasted due to reduced applicator efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the brush when it becomes matted, the cleaning assembly recovers the brush's functionality by removing dried mascara residue. The brush is restored to its original application efficiency, allowing continued use and preventing product waste from having to apply mascara to a contaminated surface
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly performs preliminary cleaning action at the moment of product dispensing. By cleaning the brush as it is removed from the bottle, the system prevents the accumulation of dried mascara that would otherwise require extensive cleaning later or result in brush replacement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the brush is not cleaned, then cleaning effort is minimized, but dry matted clumps cause product to stain clothing and enter sensitive eye areas
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly converts the potentially harmful situation of a matted brush into a beneficial cleaning opportunity. By providing a simple cleaning mechanism at the point of use, the system transforms what would be a contaminant source into a controlled cleaning process that eliminates staining and contamination risks
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
The apparatus restores the applicator's reliability and efficiency by thoroughly cleaning the brush, allowing continued use and reducing product waste.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning solvent in the interior area
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning prongs are configured to selectively hold a cosmetic applicator brush
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for removing the dried and hardened cosmetic product from cosmetic applicators, such as mascara brushes, includes a chamber that fits a cosmetic applicator brush and allows for a set of vertically-oriented prongs to agitate the cosmetic applicator brush while the brush is submerged in a cleaning solvent. The chamber with its cleaning solvent, cleaning prongs and rough textured inner walls allows for efficient cleaning of the cosmetic applicator brush. This acts as a reviver of the cosmetic applicator brush and increases the number of uses of the cosmetic applicator and the cosmetic product with which it is used.