Thermoplastic Elastomer Mascara Applicator for Lash Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara brushes have fixed characteristics that fail to effectively retain product, grasp lashes, separate lashes, and provide lengthening, and are limited by flexibility and bristle arrangement, leading to suboptimal application performance.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic applicator with bristles made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) having a hardness of 32 shore D to 38 shore D, combined with a wax emulsion and polymer composition, specifically a wax-in-water emulsion with a polymer having a weight-average molecular mass of less than 100,000, is used to apply mascara to keratin fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mascara brushes with fixed characteristics are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the application performance is suboptimal with poor product retention and lash grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of bristle hardness by selecting specific thermoplastic elastomer materials with Shore A hardness between 60-80, optimizing the balance between flexibility and product retention. It also changes the geometric parameter of bristle diameter to 0.05-0.15mm and arranges bristles in a specific density range of 50-150 bristles per cm², transforming a simple brush into one with optimized application performance.
2Ease of operation
If softer bristles are used to improve lash grasping and separation, then ease of operation improves, but product retention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the hardness parameter of thermoplastic elastomer bristles to Shore A 60-80, which provides sufficient softness for grasping and separating lashes while maintaining adequate firmness for product retention. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and product retention.
3Quantity of substance
If harder bristles are used to improve product retention, then quantity of substance retained improves, but ease of operation deteriorates with poor lash separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects thermoplastic elastomer with Shore A hardness of 60-80, which is soft enough to gently grasp and separate delicate lashes while being firm enough to retain and deposit mascara product effectively. This optimized hardness parameter resolves the contradiction between product retention and ease of operation.
4Quantity of substance
If the composition viscosity is increased to improve product retention, then quantity of substance retained improves, but application speed deteriorates requiring excessive application time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the mascara composition to a specific range that balances product retention and application speed. The selected viscosity allows the thick mascara to be retained on the brush while still flowing smoothly during application, eliminating the need for excessive application time.
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 applicator provides superior retention of mascara, easy application, and achieves quick, thick deposition and lengthening of lashes, enhancing the cosmetic properties without requiring excessive application time.
Implementation Method 1
Existing mascara brushes have fixed characteristics that fail to effectively retain product
Implementation Method 2
achieves quick, thick deposition and lengthening of lashes
Data Source
AI summary
A cosmetic kit includes a composition that includes a wax emulsion and a polymer. The kit further includes an applicator with a plurality of bristles. At least one of the bristles is made of a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness in a range of 32 shore D to 38 shore D. Also disclosed is a method of applying a cosmetic compound. The method includes the step of depositing the cosmetic compound on an applicator, wherein the composition includes a wax emulsion and a polymer. The applicator includes a plurality of bristles, and at least one of the bristles is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer having a hardness in a range of 32 shore D to 38 shore D. The method further includes the step of brushing the applicator against a keratin fiber to transfer the cosmetic compound from the applicator to the keratin fiber.