Dual-Zone Cosmetic Applicator with Rigid Shaping Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic product applicators, particularly for mascara, fail to effectively shape eyelashes while applying the product, lacking the necessary rigidity and design to curl lashes after application.
Innovation Solution
An applicator member with a core extending along a longitudinal axis, featuring application elements for product deposition and a separate, rigid arm for shaping eyelashes, where the arm is made of a more rigid material than the core, allowing it to exert pressure and curl eyelashes post-application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the applicator member uses a flexible stem and soft application elements, then the applicator can comfortably apply product to eyelashes, but it cannot exert sufficient pressure to curl or shape the eyelashes
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator member is divided into distinct functional zones: a first sector with flexible application elements for product deposition and a second sector with a rigid arm for shaping. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the applicator member have different mechanical properties: the application elements in the first sector are flexible and soft for comfortable product application, while the arm in the second sector is rigid for exerting curling pressure. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between comfort and shaping capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the applicator member has application elements extending over a large sector, then it can cover more eyelash area, but it reduces the space available for a rigid shaping arm
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid arm is positioned in a second sector that is spatially separate from the first sector containing the application elements. This dimensional separation along the core allows both the application elements and the rigid arm to coexist without interfering with each other, optimizing both coverage and shaping functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator member uses a single-material construction, then it simplifies manufacturing, but it cannot provide both the flexibility needed for application and the rigidity needed for shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator member is constructed as a composite structure with different materials in different zones: flexible material for the application elements and rigid material for the shaping arm. This composite construction enables the single applicator member to provide both flexibility for product application and rigidity for shaping, while still being manufacturable as an integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
Applicator member (40) for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: a core (42) extending along a longitudinal axis (X2-X2′), an applicator part comprising at least a plurality of application elements (44) that are joined to the core and extend over a first sector of said core (42), and a shaping part comprising an arm (46) that is joined to the core (42) by its two ends and extends over a second sector of said core, separate from said first sector bearing the application elements (44), the arm (46) having no application elements and being at least partially made of rigid material.