Threaded Universal Adapter for Stable Cosmetic Applicator Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cosmetic applicators face challenges in attaching to assistive devices due to varying designs and form factors from different manufacturers, making attachment cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A threaded universal adapter system comprising a threaded adapter with complementary shapes and threading, along with a device adapter, allows for reversible attachment to accommodate different applicator types, including features like magnets, positioning liners, and non-circular designs to prevent slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different manufacturers and models use different designs and form factors for cosmetic applicators, then each applicator can be optimized for its specific function, but attachment to assistive devices becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different applicator typesVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates a universal threaded interface that can accommodate multiple types of cosmetic applicators from different manufacturers. The threaded portion allows the same adapter body to attach to various applicator designs (brushes, sponges, pads, etc.) while maintaining a standardized connection mechanism that simplifies attachment to assistive devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: an adapter body with a threaded portion for securing to the assistive device, and a separate holder portion that interfaces with different applicator types. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal adapter is designed to accommodate multiple applicator types, then versatility is improved, but the adapter structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of compatible applicator typesVSAvoidadapter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter uses a standardized threaded interface design that can universally accommodate various applicator types without requiring multiple specialized adapters. The threaded portion provides a consistent attachment method across different applicator designs, reducing the need for multiple specialized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder portion incorporates a non-circular cross-section with specific geometric features (such as flat surfaces or angled faces) that provide asymmetric engagement. This asymmetry prevents rotational slippage and ensures proper orientation when attaching different applicator types, achieving versatility through a standardized asymmetric geometry rather than multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the adapter uses a threaded connection for secure attachment, then stability is improved, but attachment and detachment become more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidattachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates a retaining ring that can be pre-positioned or easily engaged with the threaded portion. This retaining ring provides a quick-release mechanism that can be manually activated to detach the applicator without requiring complete disassembly of the threaded connection, enabling rapid attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the threaded portion and the applicator holder. It provides a secondary fastening mechanism that complements the threaded connection, allowing for quick engagement and disengagement of the applicator without requiring tools or complex manipulation of the threaded threads themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the adapter includes additional features like magnets and positioning liners, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates magnetic elements that replace complex mechanical alignment mechanisms. The magnets provide automatic alignment and holding force during attachment, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning features or additional mechanical alignment structures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter uses positioning liners with specific material properties (such as elasticity or friction characteristics) that can be easily molded or extruded as integral parts of the holder. These liners provide precise positioning and secure engagement through material properties rather than complex mechanical features, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving operational ease.

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 system provides a universal solution for attaching cosmetic applicators to assistive devices, enhancing stability and functionality by minimizing unintentional movements and accommodating various designs, while allowing easy attachment and detachment.

Implementation Method 1

the attachment portion includes a first magnet and the holder includes a second magnet, the first magnet configured to attract the second magnet and assist the holder engage with the attachment portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250221512A1Threaded universal adapter system
Publication Date: 2025.07.10 LOREAL SA
  • US20250221512A1 patent drawing
  • US20250221512A1 patent drawing
  • US20250221512A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and features related to a threaded universal adapter device for attaching to multiple types of cosmetic applicators and the like are described. The threaded adapter includes a first cylindrical portion with a first threading for engaging threading on a cosmetic applicator handle, and an attachment portion attached to the first cylindrical portion for engaging a device adapter holder, which can be then attached to an auxiliary device, such as a motion stabilizer device. The threaded adapter can further include a second cylindrical portion with a second threading for engaging threading on a neck of a cosmetic bottle to allow storing the cosmetic applicator and the cosmetic bottle attached to the threaded adapter.