Eyelash Applicator With Offset Double Spikes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing applicators for applying cosmetic products like mascara to eyelashes and eyebrows lack efficient product distribution and separation, leading to inadequate loading and clumping issues.

Innovation Solution

The applicator features a moulded core with double spikes in offset longitudinal rows, creating recesses that act as reservoirs for product, allowing for abundant loading and separation of eyelashes/eyebrows without frequent reloading, while the axial offset ensures proper coverage and curling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the applicator uses a core with double spikes in longitudinal rows, then the separation of eyelashes/eyebrows is improved, but the product loading capacity and coverage are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct loading capacityVSAvoidapplication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator core is segmented into multiple longitudinal rows of double spikes, creating distinct zones for product retention and application. Each double spike divides into two arms that can independently engage with lashes, while the spacing between rows creates additional product reservoirs, enabling both high product loading and efficient distribution across multiple eyelashes simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The double spikes are arranged in three-dimensional space with specific spacing and offset patterns along the longitudinal axis. This spatial arrangement creates multiple levels of product reservoirs and application zones, allowing the applicator to hold substantial product volume while maintaining the ability to separate and coat individual lashes effectively throughout the application process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the applicator loads a large amount of product, then the coverage is improved, but the separation capability deteriorates due to clumping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct loadVSAvoidseparation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The high product load is segmented into multiple discrete retention zones distributed along the longitudinal rows of double spikes. Each segment holds a controlled amount of product that can be independently applied to separate lashes, preventing the product from clumping together and maintaining precision in lash separation even when the overall product load is large

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the applicator core provide different local functions: some areas with closer spike spacing provide product retention, while areas with wider spacing provide separation and application. This local variation in spike arrangement allows the applicator to simultaneously maintain large overall product load while ensuring precise separation capability at each application point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If the applicator frequently reloads product, then the product distribution is improved, but the application time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct distributionVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple longitudinal rows of double spikes create continuous product distribution zones along the entire length of the applicator core. As the user applies mascara, product is continuously available from multiple zones simultaneously, eliminating the need to stop and reload the applicator and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the application process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator is pre-loaded with product distributed across multiple longitudinal zones before application begins. This preliminary distribution ensures that sufficient product is available throughout the entire applicator length, allowing the user to complete the full application without intermediate reloading steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3203875B1Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 LOREAL SA
  • EP3203875B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3203875B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member (8) having: - a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X), and - double spikes (18) that are carried by the core (10) and are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows, the double spikes (18) each having a recess that separates two arms, at least one first longitudinal row of spikes (18) being offset axially with respect to a second longitudinal row.