Partially Flocked Cosmetic Applicator Reducing Fiber Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators with flock fibers across the entire application section face challenges in targeted application of cosmetics, leading to unbound fibers contaminating cosmetics or body parts and obscuring delicate markings.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a partially flocked surface, comprising sections with and without flock fibers, is produced in a single piece using injection molding and electrostatic flocking, allowing precise application and reducing unbound fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire application section is covered with flock fibers, then cosmetic adhesion is improved, but targeted application becomes difficult and unbound fibers contaminate cosmetics or body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator features a partially flocked application section where flock fibers are applied only to specific first sections while second sections remain free of flock fibers. This local differentiation allows cosmetic adhesion precisely where needed while eliminating areas that would generate unbound fiber contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable cosmetic pickup and contamination prevention.
2Reliability
If the entire application section is covered with flock fibers, then cosmetic pickup is improved, but delicate markings become obscured
Solution Approach 1:
By applying flock fibers only to first sections of the application section while leaving second sections free of flock fibers, the design preserves areas where delicate markings remain visible. This selective flocking maintains cosmetic pickup capability in flocked areas while preventing obscuration of markings in unflocked areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator is made in one piece from the same material, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but flexibility in applying different flocking patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The injection mold is designed with multiple cavities or selective coating capabilities that enable different sections of the applicator to receive different treatments during the molding process. This preliminary structuring of the mold allows the single-piece applicator to have varied surface properties (flocked and unflocked areas) without requiring post-manufacturing assembly, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving flocking pattern flexibility.
4Reliability
If flock fibers are applied across the entire application section, then cosmetic adhesion is maximized, but the amount of unbound fibers increases
Solution Approach 1:
By restricting flock fiber application to only the first sections of the application section where cosmetic adhesion is needed, the design maximizes cosmetic pickup capability in those areas while minimizing the total amount of flock fibers used. This reduction in overall fiber quantity directly decreases the amount of unbound fibers that could contaminate cosmetics or become waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables targeted application of cosmetics with minimal contamination and visibility of markings, while maintaining a compact design and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator with a partially flocked surface, comprising sections with and without flock fibers, is produced in a single piece using injection molding and electrostatic flocking
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic composition onto the human body, comprising a main part (2) and an application section (3). The main part (2) and the application section (3) are made of the same material as a single piece, and the surface of the application section (3) is at least partly curved, wherein the application section (3) has first sections (4), which have a partly curved surface and are provided with flock fibers (5), and second sections (6), which are partly curved and are free of flock fibers (5). The invention also relates to a method for producing an applicator (1).