Electrochromic Multilayer Structure for Reversible Cosmetic Color Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional makeup compositions for nails, such as nail varnishes, cannot be easily changed in color or optical effect without complete removal and reapplication, and existing electro-optical devices for keratinous materials are energy-consuming, unsuitable for sober makeup, or have drawbacks like visibility issues with liquid-crystal displays.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic device featuring an electrochromic multilayer structure with electrode layers, active electrochromic layers, and an electrolyte layer, which can change color under electrical excitation without emitting light, allowing for adjustable appearance without removal, and includes an optically-active layer for enhanced visual effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional makeup compositions are used, then the makeup can be applied easily, but the color cannot be changed without complete removal and reapplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor change capabilityVSAvoidtime for removal and reapplication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrochromic layers that can dynamically change their optical properties (color, transparency) in response to electrical excitation. This dynamic capability allows the makeup to transition between different color states without removal, directly resolving the contradiction between color adaptability and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the makeup composition by incorporating electrochromic materials that alter their optical absorption characteristics under electrical influence. This parameter change enables color adjustment while maintaining the makeup in place, eliminating the need for complete removal and reapplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If electroluminescent devices are used for color change, then the appearance can be changed, but energy is consumed and it may not be suitable for sober makeup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance change capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electrochromic layers that change color through electrochemical reactions rather than light emission. This approach achieves appearance change without the continuous energy consumption associated with electroluminescent devices, making it suitable for sober makeup applications where minimal energy use is desired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If liquid-crystal display devices are used, then the color can be changed, but visibility issues occur depending on the viewing angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor change capabilityVSAvoidvisibility consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochromic layers change color through uniform electrochemical reactions across the entire layer, producing consistent color changes that are visible from all viewing angles. This eliminates the angle-dependent visibility issues inherent in liquid-crystal display technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If electro-optical devices are applied to keratinous materials, then the appearance can be changed, but the devices may be complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance change capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the electro-optical system into distinct functional layers (electrode layers, electrochromic layers, electrolyte layer) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining appearance change capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite multilayer structures combining different materials (conductive polymers, electrochromic polymers, electrolytes) with complementary properties. This composite approach enables each layer to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall device design and manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 easy, energy-efficient, and reversible color changes on keratinous materials like nails, providing adjustable and dynamic makeup effects without the need for complete removal and reapplication, while maintaining a sober appearance and minimizing visibility issues.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochromic multilayer structure comprising an optionally-homogeneous electrosensitive stack formed by at least; first and second electrode layers; first and second active electrochromic layers; and an electrolyte layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS8863759B2Cosmetic article including an electrochromic multilayer structure

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 LOREAL SA

AI summary

A cosmetic device for applying to human keratinous materials, the device including an electrochromic multilayer structure having an electro sensitive stack formed by at least: first and second electrode layers; first and second active electrochromic layers; and an electrolyte layer; and further including: an optically-active layer that is superposed, at least in part, on the electrosensitive stack.