Disposable Fluorescent Toner Sun Exposure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sun exposure sensors are complex, expensive, and not easily accessible for everyday use, particularly for individuals who spend time outdoors, necessitating a simpler, more affordable, and user-friendly solution.
Innovation Solution
A disposable sun exposure sensor is developed using fluorescent toner prints on a substrate, where the toner fades with sunlight exposure, correlated to a scale indicating the level of sun exposure, which can be printed using office-grade technology like Xerox printing, allowing for easy preparation and use on various substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-tech devices like smartphones or complex sensors are used to detect UV radiation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluorescent toner that changes color (fades) when exposed to UV radiation. The toner initially appears bright fluorescent and progressively fades to a non-fluorescent state as UV exposure increases, providing a visual indication of sun exposure levels without requiring complex electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable sensor design where the fluorescent toner-printed substrate is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex, reusable devices with batteries, screens, and electronics, while still providing accurate UV exposure measurement through the toner's optical degradation
2Measurement precision
If complex high-tech sensors are used for sun exposure monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard office printing technology (laser printers, copiers) to reproduce the fluorescent toner image on the substrate. This copying approach allows anyone with access to ordinary printing equipment to manufacture sensors, eliminating the need for specialized sensor fabrication facilities or complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal capability of common office printers and copiers to produce functional UV sensors. The same printing devices used for everyday document copying can also create sun exposure sensors, making the manufacturing process accessible to anyone with standard office equipment
3Ease of manufacture
If fluorescent toner is used to create the sensor, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the toner fades under sunlight which affects long-term stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prints the fluorescent toner image in advance on the substrate before use. The toner is applied to the substrate and allowed to set, creating a stable initial state that is ready for UV exposure measurement. This preliminary printing action separates the manufacturing step from the measurement step, allowing the sensor to be prepared ahead of time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the controlled fading of fluorescent toner under UV radiation as the measurement mechanism. The toner's color stability is not compromised but rather utilized - the progressive color change from fluorescent to non-fluorescent provides the measurement signal, transforming what appears to be a stability issue into the core functional feature
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 sensor provides a simple, inexpensive, and effective means to monitor sun exposure levels, correlating fading to a scale from 0 to 8, equivalent to fractions of an Arizona day, making it suitable for outdoor use and easy to interpret.
Implementation Method 1
the fluorescent toner image increasingly fades upon exposure to sunlight
Data Source
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AI summary
A sun exposure sensor for disposable or single use including a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a sun exposure sensing portion disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, the sun exposure sensing portion comprising a fluorescent toner image, wherein the fluorescent toner image increasingly fades upon exposure to sunlight; a sun exposure scale disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, the sun exposure scale comprising an evaluation image for evaluating an amount of fading of the fluorescent toner image; an optional coating layer disposed over all or a portion of the upper surface of the substrate; an optional backing layer disposed over all or a portion of the lower surface of the substrate. A process for preparing the sensor using xerographic toner printing.