Segmented Brush with Reservoir for Eye Makeup Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing eye makeup, such as towelettes, often irritate the eyes and surrounding skin, fail to effectively remove makeup from eyelashes and eyelids, and result in smudging due to their lack of structure matching the eye's anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a brush with a formulation reservoir and bristles shaped to apply and remove eye makeup, featuring a biphasic surfactant solution and bristles of varying stiffness to accommodate lash spaces, along with a wiper for efficient makeup removal and a heating element for phase-change materials, ensuring gentle and thorough removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional towelettes are used for eye makeup removal, then the removal process is simple, but they fail to effectively remove makeup from eyelashes and eyelids and cause irritation and smudging
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is segmented into multiple pluralities of bristles with different spacing configurations. Some bristle groups have tighter spacing for applying formulation to eyelids, while other groups have wider spacing matching lash distances for effective mascara removal, allowing the single tool to address multiple eye makeup areas effectively
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the brush head have bristles with locally optimized properties: softer bristles for sensitive eyelid skin areas, stiffer bristles for tougher mascara on lashes, and varying densities matched to specific anatomical regions. This local differentiation allows effective makeup removal from different eye areas without causing irritation
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional towelettes are used for eye makeup removal, then the structure is simple, but they lack anatomical structure matching the eye's anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The brush head is divided into multiple segmented sections, each with bristles configured for specific anatomical regions. The segmentation mirrors the eye's anatomy with dedicated zones for upper lid, lower lid, inner corner, outer corner, and lash line areas, providing anatomical adaptability through structured division
Solution Approach 2:
The brush design adds dimensional complexity by arranging bristles in three-dimensional patterns that conform to the curved surfaces of the eye. Multiple layers of bristles at different heights and angles allow the tool to adapt to the eye's three-dimensional anatomy, transforming a simple flat towelette into a dimensionally adaptive applicator
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single plurality of bristles is used, then the brush structure is simple, but it cannot effectively address different lash spaces and eye areas
Solution Approach 1:
The bristle array is segmented into multiple pluralities with different spacing patterns. Each plurality is optimized for specific lash spacing densities, allowing the brush to effectively reach and clean between lashes of varying distances. The segmentation creates specialized zones that match different anatomical variations in eyelash patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-plurality brush design creates a universal tool that can handle various eye makeup types and anatomical variations. By incorporating bristle groups with different spacing, stiffness, and density, the single brush head performs multiple functions: applying formulation to lids, removing mascara from lashes, and cleaning different eye areas, replacing the need for multiple specialized tools
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 removes eye makeup from hard-to-reach areas without irritating the eyes or skin, providing a visual indication of cleanliness and containing waste for convenient disposal, thus addressing the inefficiencies of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the eye makeup includes a phase-change material. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the brush further includes a heating element adjacent to the plurality of bristles configured to heat the plurality of bristles above a phase-change temperature of the phase-change material.
Implementation Method 2
the formulation comprises a surfactant solution. In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the formulation comprises a biphasic distribution of an oil and the surfactant solution.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and cosmetic kits for removal of eye makeup are described. In an example, the systems include a handle portion configured to be grasped by a hand and defining a formulation reservoir that carries a formulation for removing eye makeup from a region of an eye; an application portion including: a plurality of bristles shaped to apply the formulation to the region of the eye; and an aperture; and a support member extending between the handle portion and the application portion, the support member defining a lumen in fluid communication with the formulation reservoir and the aperture.