Undulating Wiper Member for Cosmetic Applicator Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for packaging and applying cosmetics or care products often damage applicator members with bristles or flocking due to rigid wiper members, and fail to provide uniform substance application across varying applicator cross-sections, while also experiencing piston effects during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A wiper member with undulating lips that deform easily to accommodate applicators of varying sizes, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing wiping efficiency by expanding the orifice without excessive pressure, and can be mounted easily on receptacles with adjustable configurations to minimize piston effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid wiper member is used, then the wiper member provides structural stability, but it damages applicator members with bristles or flocking in the long run
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper member is designed with a flexible membrane structure that can deform elastically during operation. This flexible construction allows the wiper to adapt to different applicator cross-sections without exerting excessive rigid forces that would damage bristles or flocking, while still maintaining sufficient structural integrity to perform the wiping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper member's geometric parameters, particularly its cross-sectional dimensions, are designed to be variable rather than fixed. The wiper can change its shape and size parameters dynamically as the applicator moves through it, allowing adaptation to varying applicator geometries without causing damage.
2Ease of manufacture
If a wiper member with constant cross-section is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying applicator cross-sections
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper member is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its configuration in response to the applicator's cross-sectional dimensions. Rather than being a static rigid component, the wiper's flexible membrane allows it to deform and adapt to varying applicator geometries while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple overall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper member is designed to perform the wiping function effectively across a wide range of applicator types and cross-sections. By combining a simple manufacturing approach with a flexible design, the wiper achieves universal applicability to different applicator geometries without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Ease of operation
If the wiper member orifice is made large to accommodate wide applicators, then the applicator can pass through easily, but the wiping effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper member's orifice and membrane structure are designed to be dynamic rather than static. When the applicator is inserted, the flexible membrane deforms to accommodate the applicator's size, allowing easy passage. During the wiping operation, the membrane returns to its functional configuration to provide effective wiping, thus maintaining both ease of insertion and wiping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper member is pre-configured with a flexible membrane structure that automatically adapts to the applicator's dimensions during insertion. This preliminary flexible configuration allows the orifice to expand as needed for insertion, and then the membrane naturally returns to its wiping-effective configuration without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid wiper member is used, then the structure is stable, but it creates piston effect during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane construction of the wiper member allows it to deform and move with the applicator during insertion and removal operations. This flexibility eliminates the rigid piston effect that would otherwise occur, as the membrane can accommodate volume changes and movement without creating harmful pressure effects, while still maintaining structural stability for the wiping function.
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 undulating wiper member effectively adapts to diverse applicator cross-sections, ensuring thorough wiping and reducing damage risks during use, while maintaining effective substance application and minimizing piston effects during insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
the wiper member comprising at least one wiper lip having a radially inner free edge defining an orifice through which the applicator member passes
Implementation Method 2
a wiper member secured to the receptacle to wipe the applicator member as it leaves the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
Device for packaging and applying a substance, the device including a receptacle for containing the substance, an applicator member, and a wiper member secured to the receptacle to wipe the applicator member as the applicator member leaves the receptacle. The wiper member includes at least one undulating wiper lip with a radially inner free edge defining the orifice through which the applicator member passes. The undulations of the wiper lip enabling the wiper lip to deploy under thrust from the applicator member.