Triangular Cross-Section PBT Bristles for Cosmetic Powder Pick-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cosmetic brushes using conventional Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) fibers struggle to match the powder pick-up efficiency of animal hair due to the lack of surface texture, which is essential for effective product application.
Innovation Solution
Development of elongate brush bristles with a triangular transverse cross section, made from extruded PBT, which provides three parallel edges for enhanced powder pick-up, and a method involving extrusion and intermixing with circular section bristles, along with a tipping process using a sodium hydroxide solution to create a short tip for improved application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PBT fibers with circular cross section are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but powder pick-up efficiency is insufficient compared to animal hair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the fiber cross-section from a symmetric circular shape to an asymmetric triangular shape with three parallel edges. This asymmetric geometry creates surface texture that mimics animal hair, significantly improving powder pick-up efficiency while remaining manufacturable through standard extrusion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific surface features (three parallel edges) along the length of the fiber. These localized geometric features provide the necessary texture for powder adherence without requiring complex overall fiber structures, thus improving performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Reliability
If triangular cross section bristles are used, then powder pick-up capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to specialized extrusion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the fiber cross-section from circular to triangular. This parameter change is achieved through standard extrusion die design, transforming the material parameters during extrusion to create the desired triangular profile with three parallel edges, thereby enhancing powder pick-up without requiring complex manufacturing equipment.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If synthetic PBT fibers are used, then environmental sustainability is improved compared to animal hair, but surface texture and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the synthetic PBT fiber with a triangular cross-section that creates surface texture through its three parallel edges. This asymmetric geometry provides the tactile qualities and powder adherence characteristics traditionally associated with animal hair, while maintaining the environmental benefits of synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by replicating the functional characteristics of animal hair through geometric design. The three parallel edges of the triangular cross-section copy the surface texture and scratching action of animal hair cuticles, enabling synthetic fibers to mimic the performance of natural hair while maintaining sustainability advantages.
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 triangular cross-section bristles significantly enhance powder pick-up capability, addressing the limitations of conventional PBT fibers by mimicking the scratching action of animal hair, while maintaining environmental sustainability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
A) extruding a plurality of elongate brush bristles each having a triangular transverse cross section, such that each of said elongate brush bristles defines three substantially parallel edges along a length of each of said bristles
Implementation Method 2
a tipping process using a sodium hydroxide solution to create a short tip for improved application
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects of a method of providing a cosmetic brush for use in the application of cosmetics are disclosed. The method can comprise the steps of extruding a plurality of elongate brush bristles each having a triangular transverse cross section, such that each of said elongate brush bristles defines three substantially parallel edges along the length of each of said the bristles; and combining said plurality of said bristles to provide a brush head configured for the application of cosmetics.