Reusable Handle Heating Applicator Eliminates Stem Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated mascara applicators face issues with product dry-out due to repeated heat exposure and have unattractive, delicate elongated stems that are prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A handheld heating applicator system with reusable components, featuring a detachable handle subassembly and disposable container subassembly that eliminates the need for an elongated stem, ensuring the handle can be reused without the risk of breakage and maintaining product freshness by preventing heat exposure when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an elongated stem is used to support heating elements in the applicator head, then the heating elements can be positioned correctly below the bristle portion, but the stem is unattractive and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into separate modules: a reusable handle containing electronics and a disposable container subassembly containing the applicator head and heating elements. This eliminates the need for a delicate elongated stem, as the heating elements are integrated into the disposable container that attaches directly to the handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The container subassembly with the applicator head and heating elements is designed as a disposable component. After use, the entire container subassembly is discarded rather than attempting to repair or maintain the delicate stem structure, eliminating breakage issues while maintaining aesthetic appearance of the reusable handle.
2Reliability
If the applicator head remains in the container during storage, then the heating elements continue to expose the product to heat, but removing the applicator head creates an elongated stem that is unattractive and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the heating function into the disposable container subassembly that can be easily detached from the reusable handle. When not in use, the container subassembly can be removed and discarded, eliminating the need for a fragile stem while allowing users to store the handle separately with the applicator head removed, thus preventing continuous heat exposure to the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The container subassembly is designed as a disposable unit that includes the applicator head, heating elements, and product container. After the product is used up or the heating function is no longer needed, the entire container subassembly is discarded, eliminating concerns about stem breakage and allowing the reusable handle to be stored without an attached applicator head, thus preventing product dry-out.
3Ease of manufacture
If the handle subassembly is designed to be reusable, then cost is reduced, but the electrical connection between circuit boards becomes complex when requiring detachable attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection complexity is extracted into the disposable container subassembly, which includes a circuit board with heating elements that connects to the handle's circuit board via simple contact points. The reusable handle contains the main electronics and battery, while the disposable container contains the applicator head and heating elements with minimal electrical components, simplifying the overall connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is designed so that the complex circuitry is contained in the reusable handle, while the disposable container subassembly contains only the essential heating elements and a simple circuit board. This allows the handle to be manufactured once with full electronics, reducing overall cost, while the disposable container can be easily manufactured and discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex reversible electrical connections.
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 system effectively heats personal care products without causing dry-out and improves the aesthetic and durability of the applicator by eliminating the elongated stem, allowing for repeated use of the handle and regular replacement of the container.
Implementation Method 1
heating a personal care product
Implementation Method 2
the two circuit boards form an electric connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A heating applicator system that heats personal care products without concerns of dry-out as a result of repeated exposure to heat comprising a disposable container subassembly and a reusable handle subassembly. The container subassembly comprises a lower printed circuit board that has heating elements disposed thereon. The reusable handle subassembly houses an upper printed circuit board that has electronic control elements. When the handle subassembly is attached to the container subassembly, the two circuit boards form an electric connection and create an electric heating circuit. Subsequently, the handle subassembly is able to detach from the container while the applicator head remains attached to the handle subassembly. After each use, the applicator head is replaced in the container. When the product is used up, the applicator head and the container can be detached from the handle subassembly. The handle subassembly can be reused, while the container and applicator head are discarded.