NIR Hair Damage Assessment via Spectral Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining hair damage, particularly oxidative damage, are complex and costly, making it difficult for end consumers to assess the degree of damage before further cosmetic treatments, which can lead to catastrophic results like hair breakage.

Innovation Solution

A method using near-infrared (NIR) and/or infrared (IR) spectroscopy to record and analyze the spectrum of hair samples, comparing it with a calibration model to determine the degree of damage, enabling a precise and non-destructive assessment of cysteic acid content, which is crucial for oxidative damage evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If chromatographic methods (HPLC) are used to determine hair damage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecysteic acid content determinationVSAvoidchromatography equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical chromatographic separation systems with a spectroscopic measurement system. Near-infrared spectroscopy detects cysteic acid content directly through spectral absorption characteristics, eliminating the need for mechanical HPLC equipment, sample preparation, and chemical processing steps while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate spectroscopic model that correlates near-infrared spectral data with cysteic acid content. This intermediary approach allows indirect but accurate determination of hair damage without direct chemical analysis, simplifying the measurement system while preserving precision through calibrated spectral measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If chromatographic methods are used to determine hair damage, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecysteic acid content determinationVSAvoidhair damage assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the measurement system to automatically perform the complete analysis process. The spectroscopic device independently captures spectra, processes data through the calibrated model, and outputs hair damage assessment results without requiring manual sample preparation, chemical handling, or complex operational procedures by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional spectroscopic methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement systemVSAvoidhair damage quantification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spectral measurement parameters to the near-infrared region, which provides specific absorption characteristics for cysteic acid. By optimizing the wavelength range and using advanced spectral processing techniques, the system achieves both simplified device complexity and high measurement precision for quantifying hair damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If simple visual inspection is used to assess hair damage, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehair damage assessmentVSAvoiddegree of damage quantification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes spectral absorption changes in the near-infrared region that correspond to chemical changes in hair (cysteic acid formation). This provides an objective, quantifiable measure of hair damage that maintains the simplicity of non-contact measurement while dramatically improving precision over subjective visual inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

This approach allows for a simple, cost-effective, and non-destructive method to assess hair damage using miniaturized NIR sensors and mobile devices, enabling users to determine hair damage levels and personalize hair treatments, reducing the risk of further damage.

Implementation Method 1

during the exposure of a hair sample to near-infrared and/or infrared light, recording a spectrum of at least part of the near-infrared and/or infrared light with which the hair sample has interacted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12076157B2Method and device for determining a degree of damage of hair, and method for determining a user-specific hair treatment agent

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

Disclosed is a method with different exemplary embodiments for determining a degree of damage to hair. Said method can comprise the following steps: during the exposure of a hair sample to near-infrared and/or infrared light, recording a spectrum of at least part of the near-infrared and/or infrared light that has interacted with the hair sample, comparing at least part of the spectrum with a spectroscopic calibration model obtained by near-infrared and/or infrared spectra and degrees of damage of a plurality of calibration hair samples, and determining the degree of damage to the hair using said comparison.