Cosmetic Formulation Attribute Change via Additive Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cosmetic formulations applied to substrates such as skin, nails, and hair lack the ability to change attributes like topography, texture, or shape after application, limiting their desired appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a detector, an additive applicator, and a controller that detects the cosmetic formulation on a substrate and applies specific additives like electromagnetic radiation, heat, or plasma to crosslink or swell the formulation, altering its attributes based on user input and substrate features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cosmetic formulations are applied to substrates, then the cosmetic can be deposited on the substrate, but the cosmetic formulation cannot change its attributes like topography, texture, or shape after application
Solution Approach 1:
The cosmetic formulation is pre-configured with dormant components (polymers, crosslinkers, initiators) that are prepared in advance but remain inactive until application. Upon application to the substrate, the formulation is then activated by external stimuli (light, heat, plasma) to crosslink and contract, changing its topography and texture. This preliminary preparation followed by post-application activation resolves the contradiction between stability during storage and adaptability after application.
Solution Approach 2:
The cosmetic formulation utilizes changes in physical and chemical parameters to transform its properties. Specifically, the formulation contains polymers that undergo crosslinking reactions when exposed to external energy sources (UV light, heat, plasma), causing contraction and changing the formulation's topography, texture, and shape. This parameter change from a stable, uncrosslinked state to an active, crosslinked state enables the formulation to adapt its attributes after application while maintaining stability before activation.
2Manufacturing precision
If additives are applied to change cosmetic formulation attributes, then the desired topography and appearance can be achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated platform: the cosmetic formulation itself contains all necessary components (polymers, crosslinkers, initiators), while the application device provides the activation stimulus (light, heat, or plasma). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate additive application mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise topography control through the unified crosslinking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical additive application systems with energy-based activation methods. Instead of mechanically applying separate additives to trigger formulation changes, the system uses non-contact energy delivery (UV light sources, heating elements, or plasma generators) to initiate crosslinking. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise control over formulation topography and texture through energy parameter adjustment.
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 targeted and systematic alteration of cosmetic formulation attributes, such as reducing wrinkles or enhancing lip plumpness, by crosslinking or swelling the formulation, thereby improving the cosmetic's topography and appearance on the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
the cosmetic formulation includes a polymer configured to crosslink upon exposure to the additive, thereby contracting the cosmetic formulation
Implementation Method 2
the polymer is a component of a thermoset configured to crosslink upon exposure to heat
Implementation Method 3
the additive applicator is configured to generate a plasma and apply the plasma to the cosmetic formulation disposed on the substrate, wherein the polymer is configured to crosslink upon exposure to the plasma
Implementation Method 4
the cosmetic formulation includes a water-swellable polymer configured to expand upon exposure to water
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for changing a cosmetic formulation attribute are described. In an embodiment, the system comprises a detector configured to detect a cosmetic formulation disposed on the substrate; an additive applicator configured to apply an additive to the cosmetic formulation disposed on the substrate, wherein the additive is configured to change a cosmetic formulation attribute; and a controller operatively coupled to the detector and the additive applicator. In an embodiment, controller includes logic that, when executed by the controller, is configured to cause the system to perform operations including: detecting, with the detector, the cosmetic formulation disposed on the substrate; and applying, with the additive applicator, the additive to the cosmetic formulation disposed on the substrate to change the cosmetic formulation attribute of the cosmetic formulation.