Hair Internal Structure Sensing for Cortex and Medulla Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the condition of hair are inadequate in providing a complete picture of the internal structure, particularly the state of the medulla and cortex, and are influenced by hair washing, which affects the accuracy of detecting the effect of previous treatments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving exposure of hair samples to light, stress, or heat, recording signals, and comparing them with a calibration model established using bulk property measurement techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry or infrared sensing, to determine the internal structure of hair, including the cortex and medulla.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared and near-infrared sensing is used to measure cysteic acid content, then the degree of hair damage can be assessed, but information about the internal structure of hair (cortex and medulla) is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hair structure assessment into three distinct components: cuticle condition, cortex condition, and medulla condition. By applying multiple sensing techniques (infrared for cuticle, Raman for cortex, and additional methods for medulla), each region is evaluated independently, providing comprehensive internal structure information that a single technique cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-functional sensing system that combines infrared sensing, Raman spectroscopy, and other techniques to simultaneously assess multiple aspects of hair structure (cuticle, cortex, medulla) and multiple parameters (damage degree, moisture content, protein structure). This universal approach replaces the limitation of single-technique methods
2Ease of operation
If existing optical sensing methods are used, then non-intrusive measurement is achieved, but accuracy in detecting the effect of previous treatments is reduced due to water adsorption on the cuticle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Raman spectroscopy as an intermediary technique that penetrates through the water layer on the cuticle to directly probe the cortex and medulla. This intermediary method bypasses the interference caused by water adsorption, allowing accurate detection of treatment effects on internal structures while maintaining non-intrusive measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to optical sensing by incorporating Raman spectroscopy, which operates at different wavelengths and interaction mechanisms compared to traditional infrared sensing. This dimensional change in the sensing approach allows penetration through water layers and provides complementary information about internal hair structures
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
Provides a more accurate and complete assessment of hair condition, enabling personalized hair care treatments by distinguishing the contributions of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla to the overall hair structure and effectiveness of treatments.
Implementation Method 1
recording a signal from at least one part of the light that has interacted with the hair sample
Implementation Method 2
recording a signal from the response of the hair sample to that stress, elongation or heat
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated device for determining a condition of the internal structure of hair is described. A hair sample is exposed to light or heat and a signal is recorded from part of the light or heat that has interacted with the hair sample. The signal is compared with a first calibration model to determine the condition of the internal structure of hair. The calibration model is obtained by determining the condition of the internal structure of calibration hair samples using a method that measures bulk properties of constituents of hair. Part of the light or heat that has interacted with each calibration hair sample is also recorded and a correlation is established between the recorded signals and the determined condition of the internal structure of the plurality of calibration hair samples.