Movable Mascara Applicator Protuberances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pen-type mascara applicators face issues with product drying due to exposure to air, excessive product usage, and staining when the applicator is retracted, as the large orifice allows air exposure and builds up product at the orifice, reducing the product's lifespan and leading to inefficient makeup application.
Innovation Solution
The design features a movable applicator with protuberances that can retract into the case, minimizing the orifice size and reducing product exposure to air, allowing for precise product delivery only on the applicator ends, thus minimizing waste and preventing drying, while maintaining easy operation and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the output orifice diameter is increased to allow the brush to come out, then the applicator can be easily extended, but the product in the container dries more quickly due to greater air exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed with movable protuberances that can dynamically change position between retracted and extended states. When retracted, the protuberances minimize the orifice diameter to reduce air exposure and preserve product lifespan. When extended, the protuberances move to allow smooth applicator extension for easy operation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and product lifespan.
2Ease of operation
If the applicator is immersed in the product inside the container in the retracted position, then the applicator can be easily stored, but it comes out loaded with excessive product that dries quickly and limits the lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator features localized protuberances that can be positioned in different configurations. When retracted, the protuberances are positioned to minimize contact with the product bulk, allowing easy retraction without excessive loading. This localized positioning control ensures the applicator enters the container smoothly without picking up excessive product, thereby extending its lifetime by preventing premature drying.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the output orifice diameter is reduced to minimize air exposure, then the product dries less, but the applicator cannot be easily extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic protuberance movement to adjust the effective orifice diameter. When the applicator needs to be extended, the protuberances move to a position that creates a larger effective opening, allowing easy extension. When retracted, they return to a position that minimizes the orifice diameter, preserving product lifespan. This dynamic geometric adjustment resolves the contradiction between product lifespan and ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If the applicator is in the retracted position with product builds up at the free end of the case, then the applicator is easy to store, but it creates stains on the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and minimizes the problematic product accumulation by using protuberances that can be positioned to prevent product buildup at the case free end. When the applicator is retracted, the protuberances are positioned to allow smooth withdrawal without leaving excess product that would stain. This extraction of the problematic configuration resolves the contradiction between easy storage and preventing stains.
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic article including a case and a applicator that is fastened to the case but movable relative to the case between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the applicator extends outward from the case further than in the retracted position. The applicator includes a body and protuberances, at least some of which are arranged so as to be movable relative to the body between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the protuberances extend outward from the body further than in the retracted position.