Non-absorbing Elastomeric Applicator for Facial Hair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicators for topically applying facial skin care compositions are ineffective in providing a smooth and even deposition on the skin, fail to manage a reservoir of composition, absorb the product, and are not adaptable to diverse facial contours, leading to unsanitary conditions and suboptimal hair lay-down results.

Innovation Solution

A non-absorbing elastomeric applicator with a concave surface made from materials like hydrogenated styrene butadiene block copolymer and dimethyl silicone fluid, designed to minimize absorption, maintain a reservoir, and accommodate various facial shapes, ensuring even deposition and hair lay-down.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional expanded foam applicators are used, then the applicator is simple and inexpensive, but the deposition of skin care composition is rough and uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition smoothnessVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional expanded foam to a non-absorbing elastomeric material with specific properties (Shore A hardness of 20-80, non-absorbing characteristics). This parameter change enables smooth, even deposition of skin care composition while maintaining applicator simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator uses a composite material system comprising a non-absorbing elastomeric material with specific durometer range, combining the benefits of flexibility, non-absorption, and smooth surface properties that traditional single materials could not achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If absorbent materials like sponges are used, then the applicator is simple to manufacture, but the skin care composition is absorbed during contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposition non-absorptionVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a non-absorbing elastomeric material with Shore A hardness of 20-80, fundamentally changing the material parameter from absorbent to non-absorbent. This ensures the skin care composition is not absorbed during contact while maintaining ease of manufacturing through injection molding or similar processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a rough porous surface is used, then the applicator is easy to manufacture, but even and smooth deposition is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition evennessVSAvoidsurface preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface parameter from rough and porous to smooth and non-absorbing. The elastomeric material naturally provides a smooth surface that enables even deposition of skin care composition without requiring additional surface preparation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The smooth, homogeneous surface of the non-absorbing elastomeric material ensures uniform contact with the skin and even distribution of skin care composition, eliminating the deposition inconsistencies caused by rough, porous surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Adaptability or versatility

If the applicator is made for broad areas, then it covers large surfaces, but it is not adaptable to challenging areas around nose and eyes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefacial contour adaptabilityVSAvoidapplicator surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to adapt its shape during use. The elastomeric material enables the applicator to conform to diverse facial contours including broad areas and challenging areas around the nose and eyes, providing universal adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thin, flexible elastomeric shell of the applicator allows it to bend and conform to the complex three-dimensional contours of the face, enabling effective application on both broad surfaces and difficult-to-reach areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

5Quantity of substance

If the applicator holds a reservoir of composition, then it maintains product availability, but the composition may run before application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereservoir capacityVSAvoidproduct running

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface energy and wettability parameters of the elastomeric material to control product flow. The non-absorbing nature combined with specific surface properties prevents the skin care composition from running before application while maintaining adequate reservoir capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2953504B1applicator

Publication Date: 2019.09.18 NOXELL CORP

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AI summary

An applicator (1) having a concave surface comprising a non- absorbing elastomeric material is effective in topically compositions to minimize the appearance of fine facial hair on women.