Dual Cap Dispenser with UV Indicator for Sunscreen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sunscreens become less effective over time due to rubbing off, sweating, water immersion, absorption, and photo-degradation, making it difficult for users to determine if they have applied an adequate coating for UV protection, and there is a lack of visual indication when UV protection is no longer sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A device with a primary chamber for sunscreen and a secondary chamber for a UV indicator, where the UV indicator can be applied to the skin to visually alert the user when additional sunscreen is needed, using a double flip-top cap or dual cap assembly that allows separate dispensing and application of the two materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sunscreen is applied to the skin, then UV protection is provided, but it becomes difficult to determine when the sunscreen is no longer providing adequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a UV indicator comprising photochromic molecules that reversibly change color upon exposure to UV radiation. When sunscreen provides adequate protection, the indicator remains one color; when protection becomes insufficient, the indicator changes color to alert the user. This visual color change mechanism directly addresses the information loss problem by providing real-time feedback on sunscreen effectiveness.
2Reliability
If sunscreen is applied generously to ensure adequate coverage, then UV protection is improved, but it is difficult to know if an adequate coating has been applied
Solution Approach 1:
The UV indicator changes color based on the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin beneath the sunscreen. By comparing the indicator's color to reference color charts provided in the packaging, users can objectively assess whether they have applied sufficient sunscreen to achieve the desired protection level, eliminating the difficulty of subjective coverage assessment.
3Volume of moving object
If a single container is used for both sunscreen and UV indicator, then device portability is improved, but separate dispensing of the two materials becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual cap assembly with a first cap for dispensing sunscreen and a second cap for dispensing the UV indicator. This segmentation allows each material to be dispensed separately through its own dedicated cap, simplifying the dispensing operation while maintaining a compact single-container design that combines both chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The device nests the second cap containing the UV indicator within or alongside the first cap containing the sunscreen in a single integrated container. This nested arrangement allows both materials to be stored in a compact configuration while maintaining separate access through their respective caps, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of separate dispensing.
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 device ensures continuous UV protection by allowing users to visually assess the effectiveness of their sunscreen application and reapply as needed, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
UV indicators that contain photochromic molecules, that reversibly change color upon exposure to UV radiation, are known.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for containing and separately dispensing a sunscreen and a UV indicator for use with the sunscreen to indicate effectiveness thereof. A flexible tube or container defines a primary chamber containing sunscreen therein and has a double flip-top cap mounted thereon. The double flip-top cap comprises a base mounted to the flexible tube and via which the sunscreen is dispensed. A middle section of the cap is hinged to the base and provides access to the primary chamber. A top section of the cap is hinged to the middle section. The middle section and top section cooperate to define a secondary chamber containing the UV indicator, with the top section providing access to the secondary chamber. The secondary chamber can contain a pre-inked stamp, or a stamp and ink pad impregnated with the UV indicator. The UV indicator is applied to one or more small regions of the skin under the sunscreen, and changes color to indicate effectiveness of the sunscreen.