Custom Cosmetic Blending Machine with Peristaltic Pump Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cosmetic color matching technologies are inefficient and time-consuming, often requiring multiple attempts to achieve a suitable match, and fail to accurately produce custom colors beyond pre-mixed ranges, especially for liquid cosmetic products which suffer from high air bubble content and viscosity issues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing spectrophotometers, cameras, or webcams for precise skin color analysis, combined with custom software and peristaltic pumps with tapered nozzle needles, to accurately measure and dispense micro-milliliter quantities of pigments and additives, enabling the creation of custom cosmetic products in small volumes with precise color matching and minimal material waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hand mixing with eyeball judgment is used for color matching, then operators can make adjustments based on visual assessment, but multiple attempts are required resulting in tremendous material and customer goodwill loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual hand mixing and visual eyeball judgment with an automated computer-controlled dispensing system. The system uses a camera to capture skin color, software to analyze and determine pigment ratios, and automated pumps to dispense precise amounts of pigments and base, eliminating the need for repeated manual mixing attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment through automated feedback. The camera captures skin color, the software automatically calculates the required pigment composition, and the dispensing system automatically mixes the custom foundation without requiring operator intervention for adjustments, thereby reducing time and material waste.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-mixed white bases with pumps are used for custom blending, then a wide range of colors can be created beyond standard stock colors, but the mixing process requires manual intervention and multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pumping and mixing operations with an automated computer-controlled system. Multiple pigment containers and base containers are connected to automated dispensing pumps that precisely deliver measured amounts based on software calculations, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining the ability to create a wide range of custom colors.
3Measurement precision
If paint dispensers with machine mixing are used, then colors can be matched accurately from color fan decks, but the system is designed for larger quantity units like quart to 5 gallon containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the paint dispensing concept for cosmetic applications by using multiple small-capacity containers (e.g., 1 oz base containers and smaller pigment containers) instead of large quart or gallon containers. Each container is equipped with its own pump and dispensing mechanism, allowing precise measurement and mixing of small quantities suitable for custom cosmetic foundation while maintaining accurate color matching capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If spectrophotometers and custom software are used for skin color analysis, then precise color measurement can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the camera serves as the color measurement device, the computer runs both the color analysis software and the dispensing control software, and the same computer coordinates both the pigment dispensing and base dispensing operations. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise skin color measurement and custom mixing capabilities.
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 system enables rapid, accurate, and economical production of custom cosmetic products that match individual skin tones, reducing material consumption and customer wait time, while effectively handling the challenges of high viscosity and air bubble content in liquid cosmetics.
Implementation Method 1
peristaltic pumps with tapered nozzle needles, to accurately measure and dispense micro-milliliter quantities of pigments and additives
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrophotometer 300, webcam 302 or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's face 400 or other body part. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, non-signal computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a spectrophotometer 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis to derive a mix of color to create a cosmetic product matching or enhancing the color composition and/or texture of the person's face or other body part. The computer system 301 and subroutine for color analysis create machine readable instructions 505 for the firmware of a cosmetic blending and dispensing machine 508. In order to properly mix and dispense high viscosity and air bubble riddled cosmetic material, a medical grade peristaltic pump 354 is used with triangle needle nozzles 374.