Smooth Applicator for Lip Coating Residue Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lip coating application methods, such as sticks and brushes, often leave residue in containers, leading to inefficiencies in usage and difficulty in cleaning between applications.

Innovation Solution

A device with a smooth, frustoconical application end that can reach container corners and crevices, combined with a cleaning mechanism using a roll of paper towels, allows for complete removal and reuse of lip coating without cross-contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a brush applicator with bristles is used, then lip coating can be applied to the lips, but the bristles collect lip coating and make cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidlip coating residue in corners

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a traditional brush that collects product, the patent inverts the approach by using a smooth, non-absorbent applicator surface that allows product to be easily wiped off and reused, transforming the cleaning challenge into a simple wiping action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The smooth applicator end functions as a disposable or easily cleanable component where lip coating is applied and then completely removed, allowing the same applicator to be used for different colors without residue contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If a stick applicator is used, then lip coating can be applied, but much of the lip coating remains in the corners and crevices of the container and cannot be utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelip coating yieldVSAvoidaccess to container corners

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator transitions from a simple stick to a multi-dimensional tool with a shaft that can angle and reach into corners and crevices of the container, accessing lip coating in previously unreachable areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The application end features a rounded, smooth surface that can conform to and access curved corners and crevices of the container, maximizing product retrieval from all container surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a brush with bristles is used, then lip coating can be applied, but cross-contamination between colors occurs and cleaning is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cross-contaminationVSAvoidcleaning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism is extracted as a separate, removable component (cleaning rod with paper towel) that can be easily attached and detached, simplifying the overall device structure while providing effective cleaning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A paper towel intermediary is introduced between the applicator and the cleaning process, allowing complete removal of lip coating residue without requiring complex mechanical cleaning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9439498B1Device for applying lip coating and method of use

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 EVERSLEY NAOMI GRIZELDA

AI summary

A device for applying lip coating includes an applicator which has a handle which is connected to an application end by a shaft. The application end is smooth in order to facilitate cleaning. A housing removably receives the shaft and application end when the device is not being used. In an embodiment the application end includes a frustoconical section and a rounded tip. In another embodiment a cleaning device for cleaning the application end is contained with the handle.