Segmented Heating Elements for Cosmetic Applicator Heat Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heated cosmetic applicators, particularly mascara applicators, face inefficiencies in heating due to heat loss through non-heated materials and uneven heat distribution, limiting their effectiveness and commercial viability.

Innovation Solution

The integration of individual heating elements within or on lash grooming elements of the applicator head allows for direct heat delivery to the product, reducing heat loss and enabling controlled, even heating by positioning heating elements closer to the product, thereby improving heating efficiency and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heating elements are continuously distributed along the rod or stem of the applicator, then the heating coverage is extended, but heat is lost to materials that don't need to be heated and product heat up time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct heating temperatureVSAvoidheat loss to non-product materials

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating function into discrete segments by placing individual heating elements at specific locations along the applicator rod rather than using continuous heating. Each heating element is positioned to heat specific portions of the product, allowing selective heating of only the necessary areas and reducing energy waste on non-product materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by varying the heating distribution along the applicator rod according to the specific heating needs of different product regions. Heating elements are strategically positioned to provide localized heat where the product requires it most, rather than uniformly heating the entire rod length, thus improving heating efficiency and reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If heating elements are continuously distributed along the rod or stem of the applicator, then the heating coverage is extended, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct heating temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating system into discrete, independently controllable heating elements positioned at specific locations along the applicator rod. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the heating elements needed for the current application, reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous heating of the entire rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial heating action by activating heating elements only in the regions where product is present and heating is required, rather than heating the entire length of the applicator rod. This partial action approach reduces power consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating of empty or already-heated sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Temperature

If heating elements are continuously distributed along the rod or stem of the applicator, then the heating coverage is extended, but heating efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct heating temperatureVSAvoidheating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heating function into discrete segments with heating elements positioned at specific locations along the applicator rod. This segmentation enables more efficient heat transfer to the product by concentrating heating energy where it is most needed, rather than dispersing it continuously along the entire rod, thus improving heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning heating elements to match the thermal requirements of different product regions. This localized heating approach improves heating efficiency by delivering heat directly to the product areas that require it, reducing heat loss to surrounding materials, and achieving faster, more uniform product heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution results in faster, more uniform heating of the product, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the applicator's performance, making it more commercially viable by improving heat transfer directly to the application surface.

Implementation Method 1

The heating element has a distal end, a proximal end, and lateral sides. The heating element comprises an electrically resistive material having inherent electrical resistance that generates heat when electrical current passes through it.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

Heat must travel by conduction from inside the rod or stem to the bristles and into the product.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8998517B2Heat-generating applicator head

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 ELC MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

A heated cosmetic applicator that has a plurality of small, individual heating elements placed within and/or on at least some of the lash grooming elements. A heat-generating applicator head for a heated cosmetic applicator that has a plurality of small, individual heating elements placed within and/or on at least some of the lash grooming elements.