Multi-Sensor Hair Condition Assessment for Personalized Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair treatment technologies lack the ability to accurately assess individual hair conditions, particularly damage levels, which affects the effectiveness of cosmetic products and treatments.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a portable sensor device with multiple sensors and a data processing unit that analyzes hair parameters such as cysteine acid content, fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, and interference reflection microscopy to determine hair condition, and provides personalized treatment recommendations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple different sensor devices are used to measure various hair parameters, then the comprehensiveness of hair condition assessment is improved, but the difficulty of summarizing and evaluating the results increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of hair condition dataVSAvoidcomplexity of result evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor devices (optical sensor, NIR sensor, microscope, contact microphone) into an integrated measurement system that collects various hair parameters simultaneously. The data processing device consolidates results from all sensors and provides a unified hair condition assessment, eliminating the need for separate evaluation of multiple independent measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a data processing device as an intermediary that receives raw data from multiple sensor devices, processes and standardizes the information, and generates a comprehensive hair condition report. This intermediary component simplifies the evaluation process by automatically integrating results from different measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor devices are integrated into one system, then the measurement comprehensiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of hair condition determinationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-functional measurement system where a single device integrates multiple sensor types (optical, NIR, microscopic, acoustic) to perform various hair parameter measurements. This universal device eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple independent sensor devices into one integrated system. The optical sensor, NIR sensor, microscope, and contact microphone are combined into a single measurement device that can assess various hair parameters simultaneously, reducing system complexity while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional single-method hair assessment is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide personalized treatment recommendations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization of treatment recommendationsVSAvoidaccuracy of hair damage assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures multiple hair parameters (cysteine acid content, fluorescence, surface roughness, acoustic emissions) instead of relying on a single measurement. By changing from single-parameter to multi-parameter assessment, the system enables personalized treatment recommendations based on comprehensive hair condition data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional subjective or single-method hair assessment with an integrated electronic measurement system using multiple sensors and data processing. This substitution enables objective, precise, and personalized evaluation of hair condition for tailored treatment recommendations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise determination of hair damage and condition, allowing for tailored hair treatment products and procedures, enhancing treatment effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor device (100) comprises an optical sensor (102) for determining the cysteine acid content of the hair (220H) and/or for determining the hair color of the user (220)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

The portable sensor device (100) comprises a near-infrared sensor (103) for determining a degree of damage to the hair (220H)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the portable sensor device (100) comprises a microscope (104) for analyzing a surface of the hair (220H)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

The portable sensor device (100) comprises a contact microphone (105) for determining external damage to the hair (220H)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic emission: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentEP3668375B1System and method for determining the condition of hair
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3668375B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3668375B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3668375B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A system for determining the condition of hair is provided in various embodiments. The system may comprise a portable sensor device having at least one sensor for detecting at least one sensor value on hair of a user, and a data-processing device, wherein the data-processing device may be designed to determine whether, in addition to the at least one sensor value, the data-processing device is provided with at least one additional sensor value from an additional sensor device, and is designed to determine the condition of the hair of the user on the basis of the detected at least one sensor value, if it has been determined that only the at least one sensor value is provided, or on the basis of the at least one sensor value provided and the at least one additional sensor value provided, if it has been determined that the at least one additional sensor value is also provided.