Thermoplastic Applicator With Sawtooth Ribs For Homogeneous Powder Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional applicators for applying compacted powder products, such as deodorants, are difficult to clean and do not ensure a homogeneous application, leading to inefficiencies and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic applicator with a sawtooth relief pattern of ribs that allows for efficient product pickup and deposition, featuring a design where the falling front of the teeth forms an angle of 8° to 20° and the rising front forms an angle of 40° to 90° with the longitudinal axis, creating a reservoir for product accumulation and facilitating easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sponges or brushes are used as applicators, then product can be picked up and spread, but they are difficult to clean and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator surface is segmented into multiple ribs with spaces between them, creating a structured geometry that prevents product entanglement and facilitates cleaning. The segmentation allows product to be distributed across multiple peaks rather than accumulated in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a smooth or porous surface that traps product, the invention uses a protruding rib structure where product accumulates on accessible peaks. The spaces between ribs are designed to be self-draining, allowing product to naturally fall away rather than being trapped, effectively inverting the traditional approach to product retention.
2Manufacturing precision
If fingers are used to apply product, then application is possible, but homogeneous distribution is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the applicator surface provide different functions: the peaks provide product pickup and deposition points, while the spaces between ribs facilitate product flow and distribution. This local differentiation ensures homogeneous application across the target surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structured surface with ribs having specific heights, angles, and spacing. This dimensional change creates controlled product distribution pathways that ensure homogeneous application while maintaining ease of use.
3Productivity
If a large amount of product is picked up in a single application, then efficiency is improved, but excess product remains on the applicator requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts excess product from the applicator surface through gravity-driven flow down the rib slopes into the spaces between ribs. This automatic extraction mechanism removes surplus product during the application process itself, minimizing cleaning requirements while maintaining high pickup efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator structure performs self-cleaning through its geometry: product that accumulates on the peaks naturally flows down the slopes into the spaces between ribs during application, automatically regulating the amount of product retained on the applicator without requiring external intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1~4b
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a product to the skin, comprising an applicator member having an application surface intended to be brought into contact with the skin in order to deposit and or spread a product on the skin, the application surface being defined by a thermoplastic material comprising a plurality of transverse ribs, the sect ion of which in longitudinal section has a toothed profile, the falling front of each tooth, in the direct ion of the proximal end of the applicator member, being less steep than the rising front rising towards the peak of the tooth.