Segmented Mascica Applicator Bristles for Product Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mascara applicators fail to efficiently transfer cosmetic product from the reservoir to the spikes and effectively separate and lengthen eyelashes, requiring multiple passes and lacking optimal product distribution and retention.

Innovation Solution

A mascara applicator with elongated pins having a flattened shape and a slot in their thickness, featuring a continuously convex or concave edge and opposing edges with cutouts, allowing for enhanced product retention and distribution, and flexible design for efficient passage through a wiper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional brushes with twisted metal wire bristles are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bristles do not allow for proper transfer of cosmetic product from the reservoir onto the bristles and proper application onto the keratin fibers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct transfer efficiencyVSAvoidbrush structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush is segmented into distinct functional zones: a loading zone with densely packed bristles for product pickup, a transition zone with medium density for product distribution, and a separation zone with sparser bristles for lash separation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between product transfer efficiency and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the brush have different bristle densities and lengths tailored to their specific functions. The loading zone has high bristle density for efficient product pickup, while the separation zone has lower density for lash separation. This local differentiation of properties enables the brush to simultaneously achieve effective product transfer and proper application without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If brushes with flat-faced bristles arranged in rows are used, then the flat faces can collect mascara, but they do not separate the lashes effectively, requiring multiple coats and passes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemascara collection capacityVSAvoidapplication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush is divided into functional zones where the loading zone with high bristle density collects and holds mascara product, while the separation zone with sparser bristle arrangement provides gaps for lash separation. This segmentation enables the brush to perform both product collection and lash separation in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple coats and improving application productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brush design transitions from two-dimensional flat-faced bristles to three-dimensional bristles with varying lengths and angles. The bristles protrude at different angles and lengths, creating a volumetric structure that can simultaneously capture product on its surface and provide separation gaps throughout its volume, resolving the contradiction between product collection capacity and application efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the bristles are arranged with flat faces aligned on one side, then the brush can be moved in a specific direction, but the non-flat faces do not load mascara and the flat faces do not separate lashes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush movement controlVSAvoidproduct distribution effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the brush have bristles oriented with different face directions. The loading zone has bristles oriented to maximize product pickup from the reservoir, while the separation zone has bristles oriented to maximize lash separation. This local differentiation of bristle orientation allows each region to perform its function effectively regardless of brush movement direction, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and product distribution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The brush employs asymmetric bristle arrangement where bristles on opposite sides of the core have different orientations and lengths. This asymmetric design ensures that both sides of the brush can effectively load product and separate lashes, making the brush equally effective regardless of which side contacts the lashes first, thereby resolving the directional limitation while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Quantity of substance

If pins are arranged alternately on either side of a central line with flat faces facing inwards, then there is slight improvement in load modularity, but eyelash separation still needs improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct load modularityVSAvoideyelash separation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brush is segmented into a loading zone with densely packed pins for optimal product pickup and a separation zone with sparser pin arrangement for effective lash separation. The separation zone specifically addresses the eyelash separation performance by providing adequate gaps between pins, while the loading zone maintains high density for product load modularity. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pin density parameter is varied along the length of the brush, with higher density in the loading zone and lower density in the separation zone. This gradient change in pin density allows the brush to optimize both product loading capacity and lash separation performance in different regions, resolving the contradiction between load modularity and separation performance that cannot be achieved with uniform pin arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3282888B1Device for applying a flowing or paste-like product to keratin fibres
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE DE MATIERES PLASTIQUES
  • EP3282888B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3282888B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10
  • EP3282888B1 patent drawingFigure 11~14

AI summary

The present invention relates to an device for applying a flowing or paste-like product to keratin fibers, comprising an elongate central core (1) extending along a longitudinal axis XX, at least one row of elongate bristles (2) comprising a first end (20) embedded on the core and a second, free end (21), the bristles (2) and the core (1) being made in one piece. According to the invention, at least one of bristles has a flattened shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to axis XX, said at least one bristle being defined in a front view by a first ridge (25) that is continuously convex or concave from the base (20) thereof embedded in the core (1) up to the second end (21), and by a second ridge (26) consecutively concave and convex from the base (20) thereof embedded in the core up to the second end (21), the first and second ridges meeting at the free end (21). The bristles have a slit (24) in the body thereof for defining a first (22) and a second (23) side flank arranged opposite one another. Two bristles consecutively rooted along the length of the applicator may form at least one distal opening (30) between one another.