Mascara Packaging With Flexible Bottom For Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara packaging and applicator systems face challenges in effectively dispensing thixotropic and viscous liquid mascaras, as they hinder the kneading process and often result in wastage or damage to the applicator, and fail to utilize remaining product efficiently due to increased viscosity from evaporation.
Innovation Solution
A packaging and applicator assembly with a hollow receptacle having a stiffened top and flexible bottom portion, where the applicator head is secured to a stem and positioned to contact the mascara, allowing for effective kneading and fluidization by compressing the flexible bottom portion to reduce viscosity and ensure complete use of the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If an applicator is placed inside the receptacle to deposit cosmetic directly, then cosmetic wastage is avoided, but the applicator hinders the kneading action and may be damaged irreparably
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is extracted from the receptacle before the kneading operation. The user first removes the applicator, then performs kneading by pressing the flexible wall, ensuring the applicator is not present during the high-stress kneading process that could damage it.
Solution Approach 2:
The kneading action is performed in advance before the applicator is inserted. By pressing the flexible wall to knead the cosmetic first, the viscosity is reduced and the cosmetic is prepared for application, then the applicator is introduced to pick up the prepared cosmetic without being exposed to damaging kneading forces.
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle wall is made flexible to enable kneading, then cosmetic fluidization is improved, but the applicator positioning becomes difficult and product utilization at low quantities is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle wall has differentiated local properties: the upper portion is rigid to provide structural support and maintain receptacle shape, while the lower portion is flexible to enable effective kneading action. This local quality differentiation allows both structural integrity and effective cosmetic fluidization.
3Reliability
If the applicator head is positioned away from the opening, then kneading effectiveness is improved, but applicator loading becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static applicator position to a dynamic two-stage process: first the applicator is positioned away from the opening during kneading to maximize effectiveness, then the applicator is moved into contact with the cosmetic for loading. This dynamic positioning optimizes both kneading effectiveness and applicator loading efficiency at different stages.
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 assembly effectively fluidizes thixotropic mascara, ensuring efficient loading of the applicator and utilizing remaining product, even when quantities are low, by repeatedly compressing the flexible bottom portion, thus enhancing the application process.
Implementation Method 1
the current formulae for mascara are usually thixotropic, with relatively high viscosity
Implementation Method 2
at least a top portion of the wall being stiffened, and at least a bottom portion of the wall being flexible
Data Source
AI summary
Package/applicator for mascara, comprising a receptacle of axis XX and a wall, defining an inside space, the top portion of the wall being stiffened, and the bottom portion of the wall being flexible and capable of being moved from an expanded position to a squeezed position, a closure for temporarily closing said receptacle; a head, that is mounted on a stem, that is secured to the closure and that is capable of being put into contact with mascara, in the closed position, such that the volume defined by the bottom portion represents 15% to 60% of the total volume defined by the wall Alternatively, the package/applicator is such that the major fraction of the head is facing the stiffened portion, perpendicularly relative to axis XX.