Structured Stem Capillary Absorption for Cosmetic Applicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cosmetic applicators lack an efficient mechanism for solution absorption and controlled delivery to the brush, leading to frequent dipping and uneven application.

Innovation Solution

A structured stem with pores or fins that absorb and dispense cosmetic solutions via capillary action, ensuring a controlled release to the brush, reducing the need for frequent dipping and maintaining solution availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional cosmetic applicators are used without an absorbing structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the solution delivery control and application consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution delivery controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stem is designed with a porous absorbing structure that capillary-absorbs solution from the reservoir and delivers it metered to the brush. The porous material enables controlled solution transport through capillary action, providing consistent solution delivery without requiring complex mechanical control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbing stem acts as an intermediary between the solution reservoir and the brush. It receives solution from the reservoir, processes it through capillary absorption and wick transport, and delivers it controlled to the brush, mediating the solution flow to achieve consistent application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If frequent dipping is required to maintain solution availability, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the productivity and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication efficiencyVSAvoidtime for dipping
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbing stem is pre-loaded with solution capacity and configured to automatically wick solution from the reservoir to the brush as needed. This preliminary preparation of the solution delivery system eliminates the need for repeated user actions of dipping the applicator during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capillary-absorbing stem maintains continuous solution availability at the brush through automatic wicking from the reservoir. This continuous solution supply ensures uninterrupted cosmetic application without requiring periodic stopping to replenish solution, maintaining productive continuous use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If solution is delivered quickly to the brush, then the application speed is improved, but the solution delivery control and application uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution delivery rateVSAvoidapplication uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The porous absorbing structure in the stem provides controlled capillary transport of solution at a regulated rate. The pore size and material properties of the porous structure naturally limit the solution flow speed, delivering solution progressively to the brush rather than all at once, ensuring uniform application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The solution delivery rate is controlled by changing the physical parameters of the absorbing stem, specifically the pore size, porosity, and material properties. These parameter changes regulate the capillary action to achieve optimal solution delivery speed that balances application efficiency with uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 structured stem acts as a capacitor, slowly feeding the brush with solution, ensuring consistent application and reducing the frequency of dipping, while adjusting the release rate based on pore size and material properties.

Implementation Method 1

A structured stem with pores or fins that absorb and dispense cosmetic solutions via capillary action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the brush is configured to wick the solution from the absorbing structure of the stem

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary wicking: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10918198B2Apparatus with structured stem for cosmetic application
Publication Date: 2021.02.16 LOREAL SA
  • US10918198B2 patent drawing
  • US10918198B2 patent drawing
  • US10918198B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for applying cosmetic solutions includes: a holder, including a cap, a stem, and a brush; and a bottle configured to hold a solution, wherein the brush is disposed at a first end of the stem and a second end of the stem is attached to the cap; the stem includes an absorbing structure configured to absorb the solution; and the brush is configured to wick the solution from the absorbing structure of the stem.