Diagnostic Formula Applicator with In Situ Scalp Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for at-home hair and skin care rely on manual inspection and tele-health platforms, which are inefficient and lack precise delivery of cosmetic formulas, often resulting in unnecessary application and reduced effectiveness due to reliance on user application and limited expertise.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic formula applicator that combines a comb with sensor and fluid dispensing components, using computer vision and fluid handling to detect user-specific hair and skin cosmetic aspects and deliver targeted fluid formulas based on real-time data, enabling precise and localized application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual inspection and tele-health platforms are used for at-home hair and skin care, then user convenience is improved, but measurement precision and treatment effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform professional-grade hair and skin diagnostics at home through an automated device that combines sensors, image capture, and AI analysis. The device autonomously detects cosmetic aspects, formulates treatment recommendations, and dispenses products without requiring user expertise or external professional intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection methods are replaced with an automated system incorporating optical sensors, image capture devices, and AI-based analysis algorithms. This substitution transitions from subjective human assessment to objective machine-based measurement, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining user convenience through automated operation
2Device complexity
If manual application of cosmetic formulas is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and localized delivery accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges diagnostic and treatment delivery functions into a single integrated device. The same device that detects cosmetic aspects and analyzes hair/skin conditions also formulates and dispenses the appropriate cosmetic formulas directly to the identified areas, eliminating the need for separate application steps and improving precision while keeping the overall system manageable
Solution Approach 2:
An automated fluid dispensing system acts as an intermediary between the diagnostic analysis and the actual treatment application. This intermediary component precisely controls formula delivery to specific locations on the scalp or skin based on diagnostic data, achieving high application precision without requiring complex manual operation
3Ease of operation
If broad application of cosmetic formulas is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance and treatment effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies cosmetic formulas locally to specific areas of the scalp or skin that require treatment, rather than broad application across the entire area. The fluid dispensing assembly targets formulations precisely to regions where cosmetic aspects fall outside desired ranges, reducing formula waste while maintaining ease of operation through automated targeted delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time diagnostic data as feedback to control formula application. Sensors continuously monitor cosmetic aspects, and the system adjusts dispensing parameters based on this feedback, applying formulas only where and when needed. This closed-loop control minimizes substance waste while keeping the operation simple for the user
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 allows for targeted, efficient delivery of cosmetic formulas directly to specific areas of the scalp or skin, reducing waste and improving the effectiveness of treatments without the need for skilled technicians or frequent salon visits.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation sensor can be or include a polarized-light camera or an infrared camera
Implementation Method 2
The diagnostic formula applicator can further include a radiation source, electronically coupled with the hair diagnostic circuitry. The radiation source can include a source of polarized radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic formula applicator can include a fluid dispensing assembly coupled with a comb having a plurality of tines. A tine of the plurality of tines can be configured to dispense a fluid formula to a region of a biological surface via at least one fluid conduit. The diagnostic formula applicator can include hair diagnostic circuitry operably coupled to the fluid dispensing assembly. The diagnostic circuitry can be configured to actuate the fluid dispensing assembly to deliver the fluid formula via the at least one fluid conduit, responsive to determining a user-specific hair cosmetic aspect from hair and scalp sensor information.