Eyelash Applicator Spikes with Triangular Cross-Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eyelash and eyebrow applicators face challenges in easy withdrawal from containers while maintaining effective product loading and lash separation.
Innovation Solution
The applicator features spikes with a substantially triangular shape over at least 50% of their height, providing flexibility for easy withdrawal and sufficient rigidity for effective lash separation and product distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spikes are made very flexible to ease withdrawal through the wiper, then withdrawal ease is improved, but lash combing and product smoothing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spike cross-section is designed with non-uniform dimensions: a smaller dimension (e) in the longitudinal direction for flexibility during withdrawal, and a larger dimension (L) in the transverse direction for rigidity during application. This local variation in geometric properties allows the same spike to exhibit different mechanical behaviors in different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the spike cross-section dimensions (e/L ratio between 0.4 and 0.6, with e between 0.15-0.35mm and L between 0.50-0.75mm). By controlling these parameters, the spike achieves optimal balance between flexibility for withdrawal and rigidity for lash separation, transforming the qualitative requirement into quantifiable design parameters.
2Reliability
If spikes are made rigid to improve lash separation, then lash combing capability is improved, but withdrawal ease through the wiper deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spike cross-section is designed with non-uniform dimensions: a smaller dimension (e) in the longitudinal direction for flexibility during withdrawal, and a larger dimension (L) in the transverse direction for rigidity during application. This local variation in geometric properties allows the same spike to exhibit different mechanical behaviors in different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the spike cross-section dimensions (e/L ratio between 0.4 and 0.6, with e between 0.15-0.35mm and L between 0.50-0.75mm). By controlling these parameters, the spike achieves optimal balance between flexibility for withdrawal and rigidity for lash separation, transforming the qualitative requirement into quantifiable design parameters.
3Quantity of substance
If excessive wiping is applied to the applicator member, then product excess is removed, but applicator loading becomes insufficient requiring frequent re-dipping
Solution Approach 1:
The spike dimensional parameters (e/L ratio between 0.4 and 0.6) control the interaction between the applicator and wiper during withdrawal. This geometric parameter optimization ensures that the wiper removes excess product without over-wiping, achieving sufficient product loading in a single dip and reducing the need for frequent re-dipping.
4Quantity of substance
If insufficient wiping is applied to the applicator member, then product loading is sufficient, but excess product creates clumps on eyelashes resulting in poor separation
Solution Approach 1:
The spike dimensional parameters (e/L ratio between 0.4 and 0.6) control the interaction between the applicator and wiper during withdrawal. This geometric parameter optimization ensures that the wiper removes excess product without over-wiping, achieving sufficient product loading in a single dip and reducing the need for frequent re-dipping.
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
This design allows for easy and gentle withdrawal of the applicator, ensuring adequate product loading and improved lash separation and smoothing during application.
Implementation Method 1
The particular shape of the spikes and the orientation thereof relative to the longitudinal axis of the core gives them great flexibility with regard to a force exerted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core, consequently making it easier to pass through the wiping member
Implementation Method 2
Nevertheless, on account of their width, the spikes retain a degree of rigidity in the transverse direction, resulting in satisfactory properties of combing and separating the eyelashes
Data Source
AI summary
Applicator for applying a product (F) to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The applicator includes an applicator member having a core extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), spikes that are carried by the core that have, in face-on view when viewed along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10), a substantially triangular shape over at least 50% of their height (h), with a side that is oriented substantially radially, and have a cross section at the base of the spike taken perpendicularly to this side, satisfying the relationship e/L of between 0.4 and 0.6, where e denotes the thickness of the section measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core and L denotes the width of the section measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core.