Vibrating Mascara Applicator for Controlled Viscosity Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mascara brushes face challenges in simultaneously maximizing product uptake, transfer, distribution, and lash separation due to trade-offs between bristle stiffness, density, and configuration, which are inadequate for high viscosity mascaras, and lack the ability to alter viscosity for improved application.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating mascara applicator with a vibration source located close to the applicator head within the mascara container, altering the viscosity of the mascara in a controlled manner to enhance application efficiency, using a DC motor or other vibration sources to provide efficient energy transfer and predictable vibration patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the vibration source is located in the handle, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the energy transfer efficiency to the applicator head deteriorates and the vibration pattern becomes less predictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by positioning a vibration source (such as an eccentric rotating mass or piezoelectric actuator) within the applicator head to generate controlled vibratory motion. This vibration mechanically agitates the mascara product, reducing its viscosity and improving brush penetration and product pickup. The vibration source is specifically located in the applicator head rather than the handle to ensure direct energy transfer to the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the frequency and amplitude of the vibration to control the viscosity reduction of the mascara. By adjusting these vibration parameters, the system can optimize product flow characteristics dynamically, allowing the brush to effectively pick up and distribute the product without requiring excessive vibration energy.
2Device complexity
If the vibration source is located in the handle, then the device structure is simplified, but the vibration energy transfer to the applicator head is inefficient and the application experience becomes less comfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by positioning a vibration source (such as an eccentric rotating mass or piezoelectric actuator) within the applicator head to generate controlled vibratory motion. This vibration mechanically agitates the mascara product, reducing its viscosity and improving brush penetration and product pickup. The vibration source is specifically located in the applicator head rather than the handle to ensure direct energy transfer to the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical agitation with an automated vibration mechanism. Instead of relying on the user to manually work the brush through the product, an electric vibration source automatically provides the mechanical energy needed to reduce viscosity and enhance product pickup, thereby improving ease of operation and application experience.
3Device complexity
If conventional mascara brushes are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to simultaneously maximize product uptake, transfer, distribution, and lash separation deteriorates due to trade-offs between bristle stiffness, density, and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by positioning a vibration source (such as an eccentric rotating mass or piezoelectric actuator) within the applicator head to generate controlled vibratory motion. This vibration mechanically agitates the mascara product, reducing its viscosity and improving brush penetration and product pickup. The vibration source is specifically located in the applicator head rather than the handle to ensure direct energy transfer to the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mascara viscosity dynamic rather than static. Through vibration, the product transitions from a high-viscosity state (when stored) to a low-viscosity state (during application), allowing the brush to efficiently pickup and distribute product. This dynamic viscosity change enables a single brush design to effectively perform multiple functions without the trade-offs inherent in conventional static systems.
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 improved mascara application by efficiently altering viscosity, reducing energy consumption, and providing a more comfortable and predictable application experience with enhanced product distribution and lash separation.
Implementation Method 1
The frequency and amplitude of the vibrating applicator are sufficient to significantly alter the viscosity of a mascara, in a controlled manner
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved vibrating mascara applicator. The head is caused to vibrate in a controlled manner through electromechanical urging. The source of the vibration is substantially close to the applicator head. The improved vibrating applicator improves applicator performance, mascara performance, consumer experience and energy efficiency.