Rotating Wiper Cosmetic Applicator for Efficient Product Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tweezer type cosmetic applicators, particularly for mascara, face issues such as inefficient product evacuation from containers, requirement for external pressure to maintain grip, and inability to operate effectively within conventional container fill levels, leading to suboptimal application and waste of space.
Innovation Solution
A tweezer type applicator system comprising a rotating wiper system, biased articulating stems forming a pincer grip, and an overcap that releases the grip without external pressure, allowing for efficient product evacuation from standard or non-cylindrical containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low product fill level is used to accommodate the wiper housing, then the wiper can function properly, but container space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper housing is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The housing can rotate to different orientations depending on the container shape, enabling proper wiper function regardless of container geometry while maintaining conventional fill levels
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation and position parameters of the wiper housing are made variable through rotation capability. This allows the system to adapt to different container shapes (cylindrical, non-cylindrical, rectangular) and maintain optimal wiper function without compromising container space
2Reliability
If external pressure is applied to maintain the pincer grip, then the tweezer grip is maintained, but it is difficult to maintain even pressure for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating stems are equipped with springs that automatically maintain the pincer grip without requiring continuous external pressure from the user. The spring mechanism self-regulates to keep the applicator heads pressed together, providing consistent grip force throughout the application process
Solution Approach 2:
Springs are used to counteract the natural tendency of the applicator heads to separate. The spring force acts as a counterbalancing force that maintains the gripping pressure, eliminating the need for the user to continuously apply manual pressure
3Ease of manufacture
If the applicator heads revolve around the container neck axis, then the handle can be threaded onto the neck, but there are no wipers to remove excess product
Solution Approach 1:
A wiper system is introduced as an intermediary component between the applicator heads and the container product reservoir. The wiper housing with rotatable wipers acts as a mediator that removes excess product from the applicator heads as they pass through, solving the product removal issue while preserving the threaded assembly capability
4Ease of operation
If the wiper orifice is large enough to accommodate the orbit of the stem, then the stem can rotate, but the orifice cannot tightly hug the perimeter of the stem
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper housing is made rotatable to follow the orbital motion of the applicator heads. As the stems rotate around the container neck axis, the wiper housing rotates同步, keeping the wiper orifice closely aligned with the stem perimeter throughout the rotation, maintaining effective wiping while accommodating full rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable wiper housing provides continuous feedback adjustment to maintain optimal alignment between the wiper orifice and the rotating stem. The system automatically adjusts the wiper position to track the stem's orbital motion, ensuring consistent wiping contact throughout the rotation cycle
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 enables consistent product application without external pressure, efficient evacuation of product from conventional container levels, and accommodates non-cylindrical containers, improving application efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
an internal tension is stored in the articulation that tends to push the levers toward a rest position
Implementation Method 2
the wiper orifice is able to tightly hug the perimeter of the stem for efficient wiping
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A tweezer-type cosmetic applicator, especially for mascara application, comprises a conventional product container equipped with a rotating wiper system in the neck of the container. The tweezer cosmetic applicator system effects a pincer grip without the application of external pressure, and can be operated while in the container for better evacuation.