Multi-Row Cosmetic Applicator with Offset Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for applying cosmetic compositions to eyelashes and eyebrows often leave insufficient composition on the teeth, especially when the applicator is large compared to the wiper orifice, leading to reduced effectiveness and longevity, especially with fluid or thinly formulated makeup.
Innovation Solution
The design features an applicator member with at least three rows of applicator elements that are molded with offset angular bases, allowing increased contact area with the composition and maintaining flexibility to engage and separate eyelashes effectively, while maintaining a substantial amount of composition after passing through the wiper member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the diameter of the applicator member is increased to cover larger areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the composition retention on the teeth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-row applicator to a multi-row configuration (at least three rows) arranged around the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change allows the applicator to maintain adequate composition retention on each tooth while covering a larger overall area through the distributed multi-row structure.
2Strength
If the applicator elements are made with uniform thickness to maintain structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the flexibility to engage eyelashes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thickness characteristics to different parts of the applicator elements. The bases of the applicator elements have greater thickness for structural support, while the free ends have reduced thickness to provide flexibility for engaging and separating eyelashes. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator elements are arranged in parallel rows to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the composition distribution and contact area deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of the applicator element rows around the longitudinal axis, with bases that are offset angularly. This asymmetric configuration creates V-shaped channels between adjacent elements that improve composition distribution and contact area with eyelashes, while still maintaining a manufacturing process that forms all rows in a single molding operation.
4Ease of operation
If the applicator elements have narrow bases to improve flexibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision required deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermoplastic material properties and injection molding parameters to achieve the desired narrow base geometry with appropriate tolerances. By optimizing the molding process parameters (temperature, pressure, injection rate), the patent can produce narrow bases with sufficient precision while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and flexibility benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator including an applicator member, having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis; and at least three rows of applicator elements that are molded with at least one portion of the core, the rows extending longitudinally along the core, and being arranged around the longitudinal axis of the core, the applicator elements being of cross-section that is flat, having a major axis that is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core, at least two applicator elements having bases that are offset angularly around the longitudinal axis (X) of the core and being superposed, at least in part, when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis (X).