Zigzag-Groove Applicator Head for Single-Dip Cosmetic Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic applicators require repeated dipping into the cosmetic bulk for adequate product application and lack a large surface area for smooth application, while also failing to provide effective retention and dispensing of viscous products.
Innovation Solution
An applicator head with an elongated applying member featuring axial zigzag grooves and side grooves, contoured with beads to form a braid-like pattern, which enhances product retention and provides a large surface area for application, allowing for a single application without re-dipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the applicator surface is enlarged to hold more cosmetic product, then the retention capacity is improved, but the applicator requires repeated dipping into the cosmetic bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is segmented into multiple cavities (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) that are distributed across the applicator surface. Each cavity independently retains cosmetic product, allowing the applicator to hold substantial quantity without requiring repeated dipping. The segmentation enables efficient product distribution across multiple storage zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a flat applicator surface to a three-dimensional structure with cavities having varying depths. The first cavity has greater depth than the second and third cavities, creating vertical dimensionality that maximizes product retention capacity while maintaining a compact overall form. This dimensional approach allows storing more product without increasing the applicator's footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If the applicator head stores a large amount of cosmetic product in cavities, then the retention is improved, but the product is not available for easy application
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic product is segmented across multiple cavities (first, second, and third cavities) with different depths. This segmentation allows the applicator to retain large quantities in deeper cavities while maintaining easy access to product in shallower cavities. The user can easily access product from any cavity depending on the application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cavities are assigned different depths based on their functional requirements. The first cavity has greater depth for bulk storage, while the second and third cavities have lesser depths for easy access. This local quality variation ensures that product retention and ease of dispensing are both optimized in different zones of the applicator head.
3Area of stationary object
If the applicator surface is made large for smooth application, then the application surface area is improved, but the applicator structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator head is segmented into a limited number of functional cavities (first, second, and third cavities) arranged in an organized pattern. This segmentation provides a large effective application surface area while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture. The segmented design avoids the need for complex continuous surface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing surface area through horizontal expansion only, the invention utilizes vertical dimensionality by creating cavities of varying depths. This approach increases the effective application surface area and product retention capacity without significantly increasing the applicator's footprint or structural complexity. The three-dimensional cavity structure provides functional complexity without geometric complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator head for applying a product including a cosmetic, care, or pharmaceutical product onto the keratinous substrate. The applicator head includes an applying member elongated along a central longitudinal axis. The applying member includes a front face, a rear face opposing the front face, a left face, and a right face opposing the left face. The applying member has an axial zigzag groove extending along a length of the applying member on at least one of the front face and the rear face of the applying member. The axial zigzag groove has vertices on both side of the central longitudinal axis of the applying member. Further, the applying member includes side grooves disposed on each side of the axial zigzag groove. The axial zigzag groove and the side grooves outline beads on an outer surface of the applying member.