Thick-Core Mascara Applicator With Segmented Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mascara applicators often result in clumpy and poorly separated lashes due to randomly positioned protrusions, leading to a messy application and reduced water-resistant properties when waxes are incorporated to improve smudging resistance.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic applicator with protrusions arranged on an unusually thick core, providing a larger surface area for mascara deposition and superior lash separation, featuring a core with a surface area of at least 225 square mm and protrusions with a length of at least 0.5 mm, designed for improved mascara distribution and separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If waxes are incorporated into mascara formulations to improve water-resistant properties, then water resistance is improved, but the smoothness of application deteriorates and viscosity increases making the mascara harder to apply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater-resistant propertiesVSAvoidsmoothness of application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is segmented into a core and multiple protrusions arranged in rows and columns. This segmentation allows the protrusions to individually contact and separate lashes while the core provides structural support, enabling smooth application of viscous, wax-containing mascaras without clumping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the applicator have different functions: the core provides structural support and mascara reservoir, while the protrusions provide localized contact points for precise lash coating and separation. This local differentiation allows the applicator to handle viscous formulations smoothly while maintaining water resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional applicators with randomly positioned protrusions are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but lash separation deteriorates and application becomes messy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidprotrusion positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusions are pre-positioned in specific rows and columns during manufacturing, with predetermined spacing and orientation. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper lash separation and smooth application before the product reaches the consumer, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a larger surface area is provided for mascara deposition, then mascara transfer efficiency is improved, but the applicator size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemascara transfer efficiencyVSAvoidapplicator size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator transitions from a simple linear brush to a three-dimensional structure with a core and multiple protrusions arranged in rows and columns. This dimensional expansion increases the effective surface area for mascara deposition and transfer without proportionally increasing the overall applicator size, improving productivity while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2026678B1Ultra-size cosmetic applicator having enhanced surface area

Publication Date: 2017.04.05 NOXELL CORP

AI summary

A cosmetic applicator comprises a substantially thick core (100), a plurality of protrusions (150) extending from the core, and a substantially thick stem (170) attached to the core at one end thereof, the core having an equivalent core diameter CD of at least 3 mm, and the stem having an equivalent stem diameter SD of at least 4.5 mm, wherein a ratio CD : SD is not greater than 0.8.