Multiprong Applicator With Membrane For Precision Cosmetic Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic applicators face challenges in holding sufficient product for large areas while maintaining precision for fine lines and features, due to rigid components that cannot be varied in stiffness, leading to difficulties with product transfer and accumulation at the applicator tip.
Innovation Solution
The design features unjointed lateral branches with a central membrane, allowing for independent material selection and flexibility, and a hub assembly that connects to a stem-cap for easy product removal, preventing accumulation and enabling precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the arms and membrane are formed from the same material with uniform mechanical properties, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the applicator cannot be optimized for different cosmetic formulations requiring different stiffness levels
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate components (arms and membrane) that can be formed from different materials with different mechanical properties. The arms are formed from a first material and the membrane from a second material, allowing independent optimization of each component for specific cosmetic formulations while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through separate formation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator uses composite construction with arms made from one material and membrane from another material. This allows the arms to provide structural support with appropriate stiffness while the membrane provides product transfer capability with different mechanical properties, enabling adaptation to various cosmetic formulations including both low-viscosity and high-viscosity products
2Strength
If the central membrane is made rigid to support high-density cosmetic formulations, then the structural support is improved, but the transfer of formula from container to skin becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the applicator have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The arms are formed from material with higher stiffness to provide structural support and maintain shape, while the membrane is formed from material with lower stiffness and higher flexibility to enable easy product transfer and conform to the skin surface, allowing the applicator to handle both high-density and low-viscosity cosmetic formulations effectively
3Quantity of substance
If the applicator tip accumulates liquid or semi-liquid product, then the product dose is increased, but forming fine outlines and precise contours becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is formed from a flexible material that allows it to conform to the orifice geometry during product transfer. This flexibility enables the membrane to be wiped clean by the orifice edges, preventing product accumulation at the applicator tip while maintaining sufficient product dose on the membrane surface for applying to large areas, thereby enabling both precise fine line application and efficient coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic applicator is formed from two lateral branches that extend from a hub. The lateral branches arc away from one another and then toward one another as they extend in the distal direction with each branch forming a concave inside edge. The concave edges of the branches define a cavity. Distal ends of the branches are unconnected, allowing the branches to flex independently of one another. A membrane extends from the hub and is at least partially positioned in the cavity between the branches. The hub and branches are formed from a first material with a first hardness. The membrane is formed from a second material with a hardness different from the first material.