Porous Cushion Capillary Gradient for Targeted Cosmetic Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional porous pads or cushions in cosmetic containers have uniform pore distributions, which are unsuitable for consistent formulation loading and targeted application, as they fail to provide a capillary force gradient necessary for efficient formulation delivery and selective loading of applicators.
Innovation Solution
A porous formulation storage cushion with a capillary force gradient is created through additive manufacturing, featuring a porous structure with varying pore sizes and densities, allowing for directional wicking and selective loading of formulations onto applicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform porous structure is used in conventional cosmetic cushions, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the formulation loading becomes inconsistent and targeted application is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different pore sizes and densities in different regions of the cushion. The first region has larger pores for bulk formulation storage, while the second region has smaller pores for controlled delivery, enabling both regions to serve different functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is segmented into distinct functional regions: a first region with larger pores for formulation storage and a second region with smaller pores for controlled delivery. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Device complexity
If a uniform pore distribution is used, then the structure is simple, but capillary force gradient is insufficient for efficient formulation delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying pore characteristics across different regions. The first region has larger pores with lower capillary forces for storage, while the second region has smaller pores with higher capillary forces for efficient delivery, creating a capillary force gradient that enhances productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (pore size, pore density) to create a capillary force gradient. By controlling pore dimensions in different regions, the system achieves efficient formulation delivery through capillary action while maintaining manageable structural complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If additive manufacturing is used to create varied pore structures, then formulation delivery precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods with additive manufacturing to create complex pore structures. This substitution enables precise control over pore size and distribution while automating the manufacturing process, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes additive manufacturing to precisely control physical parameters (pore size, density, distribution) during the manufacturing process. This parameter control enables high precision in pore structure creation while the automated nature of additive manufacturing keeps the manufacturing process manageable
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
The porous formulation storage cushion ensures consistent and targeted formulation delivery by utilizing capillary action, providing a solution for uneven loading and selective application, enhancing the efficiency of formulation distribution in cosmetic containers.
Implementation Method 1
transporting the formulation from a base portion of a porous formulation storage cushion through a plurality of pores to an application surface of the porous formulation storage cushion by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of pores is configured to define a capillary force gradient along a length of the porous formulation storage cushion
Data Source
AI summary
Porous formulation storage cushion, formulation delivery systems including porous formulation storage cushions, and methods of additively manufacturing a porous formulation storage cushions are described. In an embodiment, the porous formulation storage cushion defines a plurality of pores configured to absorb a formulation, such as through wicking the formulation through capillary action. In an embodiment, the plurality of pores is configured to define a capillary force gradient along a length of the porous formulation storage cushion.