Eyelash Applicator with Twisted Thermoplastic Core and Metal Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid applicators with a thermoplastic core and metal arms twisted around it to form helical spikes face challenges in proper orientation and manufacturing efficiency, leading to potential damage and complexity in assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermoplastic core with a protruding end piece for easier handling and orientation, combined with metal arms twisted around the core to form helical spikes, allowing for improved assembly and manufacturing simplicity, along with multiple spike configurations for enhanced lash separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metal arms are twisted around the core without an end piece, then the applicator can be manufactured, but the assembly process becomes complex and spikes may be damaged during orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is molded as an integral part of the core before the metal arms are attached. This preliminary structuring provides a ready-made interface for the metal arms, eliminating the need for complex orientation and alignment steps during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The end piece acts as an intermediary element between the core and the metal arms. It provides a stable interface that facilitates the attachment of metal arms while protecting the spikes during the assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If the core is twisted to form helical spikes, then lash separation is improved, but the manufacturing and orientation process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is formed as part of the core in the preliminary molding stage, establishing the correct orientation reference before the twisting operation. This allows the core to be twisted into helical spikes while maintaining proper orientation without complex alignment steps.
3Ease of operation
If the end piece is made longer, then handling and orientation become easier, but the overall applicator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end piece is designed with a specific length (1-7 mm) that is sufficient to provide handling advantages and facilitate metal arm attachment, but not so long as to increase the overall applicator size unnecessarily. The property of length is optimized locally at the end piece rather than uniformly throughout the applicator.
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 solution enables easier assembly and manufacturing of the applicator while providing a denser spike distribution for effective lash separation and application, mimicking the performance of conventional brushes with twisted cores.
Implementation Method 1
the core having at least one end piece that extends along the longitudinal axis of the core and does not have spikes. The presence of the end piece makes it easier to hold the core/spikes assembly by way of the end piece and to orient same before the metal arms are fitted and twisted. The end piece is twisted under the effect of the twist of the arms of the holder.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator member (8) having: —a core of thermoplastic material having a longitudinal axis, the core being twisted through more than one revolution about its longitudinal axis under the effect of the twist of the metal arms of the holder, and having an endpiece that has no spikes. —spikes of thermoplastic material extending from the core, —a holder having two metal arms twisted around the core.