Twisted Metal Cosmetic Applicator with Zonal Fiber Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mascara applicators with fibrous elements, or 'fiber brushes,' face challenges in producing complex distributions of fibers that are difficult to achieve with existing methods, unlike plastic brushes, which can create intricate makeup effects.

Innovation Solution

An applicator with a core made of twisted metal strands that house varying numbers and types of fibers, forming non-contiguous turns to create a complex fiber distribution, allowing for efficient combing and loading of eyelashes with different makeup effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fiber brushes are used to create complex fiber distributions, then makeup effects are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup effectsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into multiple zones along its longitudinal extension, with each zone containing a specific number and type of fibers. This segmentation allows complex makeup effects to be achieved through simple zonal distribution rather than complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones of the applicator have different fiber characteristics (number, type, distribution) tailored to specific makeup needs. The first zone has a first type of fiber distribution while the second zone has a second type, allowing varied makeup effects along the longitudinal direction without complicating the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If fiber density is increased for better makeup performance, then makeup efficiency is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber densityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator features zones with different fiber densities optimized for specific functions. The first zone has a higher density of first-type fibers for combing, while the second zone has a higher density of second-type fibers for loading, achieving high overall fiber density without requiring uniformly complex manufacturing throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If varied fiber types are used along the longitudinal direction, then makeup versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemakeup versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is segmented into distinct zones along its longitudinal extension, with each zone containing specific fiber types. This simple zonal segmentation achieves varied makeup effects without requiring complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating varied fiber distributions through complex manufacturing operations, the invention inverts the approach by using simple manufacturing to create zones with different fiber counts and types, achieving complexity in the product rather than in the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 applicator achieves a higher fiber density and varied makeup effects along its longitudinal direction, simplifying the production process while providing efficient eyelash combing and loading, and preventing cosmetic residue accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

said twisted strands form non-contiguous turns so as to house said fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the torsion force applied to said two strands being uniform along said main direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion force: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3141149B1Cosmetic applicator, method for obtaining an applicator, and associated applicator assembly
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ALBEA SERVICES SAS
  • EP3141149B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (10), comprising a core (12) extending along a principal longitudinal direction, referred to as the principal direction (X), said core (12) comprising two twisted metal strands, said applicator (10) further comprising a plurality of fibers retained on the core (12) by said twisted strands. Said twisted strands form non-contiguous turns (14, 14', 15) so as to house said fibers, the number and/or nature of the fibers varying from one turn, referred to as the first turn (14, 14'), to the next, referred to as the second turn (15). The invention also relates to a method for obtaining a cosmetic product applicator (10). The invention further relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product.