Customized Cosmetic Composition via Modified Inkjet Printer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cosmetic products often fail to match individual skin tones and preferences due to limited color options and high costs, with existing solutions requiring bulky equipment or travel to application sites, and do not offer convenient, cost-effective customization for personal use.
Innovation Solution
A modified consumer-grade printer, such as an inkjet printer, is used to produce customized cosmetic compositions by selecting colors from digital images and applying cosmetic substances onto a substrate, allowing users to create personalized products at home without expensive hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky dispensing assembly unit and viewing station are used for custom color selection, then color customization capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential printing function from complex industrial dispensing systems and viewing stations, retaining only the core capability to apply cosmetic substances in custom colors. The invention uses a simplified printer mechanism that can be integrated into existing devices or used standalone, eliminating the need for bulky dispensing assemblies and separate viewing stations while maintaining color customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a printer that can be integrated into various cosmetic application devices (lipstick tubes, eyeshadow palettes, nail polish bottles) and potentially other consumer products. The same printing mechanism can serve multiple functions: applying base cosmetic substances, applying colorants, and working with different substrate types, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If a custom-made printing apparatus called handpiece is used for automatic cosmetic deposit, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or replaceable print heads and cartridges containing cosmetic substances. Instead of requiring a complex, expensive, custom-made handpiece, the system uses inexpensive, easily replaceable components that can be discarded or replaced when depleted. This maintains manufacturing precision through controlled dispensing mechanisms while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the precise cosmetic deposit function from complex custom-made handpieces by using a simplified printer-based system. The essential function of accurately applying cosmetic substances is retained through controlled inkjet or similar printing mechanisms, while the complexity of custom manufacturing and specialized handpiece construction is eliminated.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-selected cosmetic samples are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static pre-selected cosmetic samples into a dynamic system where colors can be customized in real-time. The printer receives digital color specifications (such as hex codes or RGB values) and dynamically adjusts the cosmetic substance application to match the desired color. This allows unlimited color options beyond pre-selected samples while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated digital-to-physical color translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of color selection from fixed pre-selected options to continuous adjustable parameters (digital color codes). The system accepts digital color specifications and translates them into corresponding cosmetic substance applications, enabling any color to be manufactured on demand rather than requiring physical pre-selected samples for each possible color.
4Loss of time
If travel to stores or application sites is required for product evaluation, then loss of time is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing users to directly operate the printing system at home or in their own environment. Users can input their desired color specifications, and the system automatically applies the corresponding cosmetic substances without requiring travel to stores or application sites. The device serves itself by automatically translating digital color codes into physical cosmetic applications, eliminating the need for staffed evaluation stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by allowing users to select and specify their desired colors in advance using digital interfaces before the actual cosmetic application. Users can input color codes, select from palettes, or upload images, and the system prepares the corresponding cosmetic substance application in advance, eliminating the need for in-store trial and evaluation processes.
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
Enables convenient, cost-effective, and personalized cosmetic production with a wide range of color options, eliminating the need for travel and expensive equipment, while allowing users to create custom cosmetic products easily and efficiently at home.
Implementation Method 1
a printer that has been modified to receive and process cosmetic components... applying cosmetic substances onto a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing a cosmetic composition is in the form of a printer that is modified to receive and process cosmetic components. The device includes a printer housing that includes at least one print head and an opening for receiving a substrate and allow positioning of the substrate in relation to the at least one print head. At least one replaceable cartridge is provided and contains a cosmetic substance. The at least one replaceable cartridge is operatively coupled to the at least one print head such that the cosmetic substance can be applied to the substrate through the at least one print head. The resulting cosmetic composition is made of at least one cosmetic substance and the cosmetic composition is a transferable material that can be removed from the substrate and applied to a part of a human body.