Multi-Aggressor Hair Switch Testing Protocol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing hair products are inadequate as they only subject hair samples to a single aggressor, providing limited data on product efficacy and failing to simulate real-world conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of multiple hair products to hair switches, which are subjected to multiple aggressors daily for several days, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of product efficacy by assessing changes in hair condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single aggressor is used to treat hair samples, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the data obtained lacks differentiation and does not reflect real-world conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferentiation of product efficacy dataVSAvoidcomplexity of testing regime
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing regime is segmented into multiple discrete aggressors (UV exposure, heat styling, chemical treatments, mechanical stress) applied sequentially over multiple days. Each aggressor targets specific aspects of hair damage, allowing comprehensive evaluation of product efficacy under differentiated conditions that mirror real-world usage patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing protocol transitions from a static single-aggressor approach to a dynamic multi-aggressor regimen where conditions change daily. Hair samples experience varying combinations of aggressors over 4+ days, creating a dynamic assessment that captures product performance under evolving stress conditions rather than fixed parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple aggressors are applied over multiple days, then enhanced differentiating data is obtained, but the testing process becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealism of product assessmentVSAvoidduration of testing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple hair samples are prepared in advance with different product treatments before the aggressor regimen begins. This preliminary segmentation allows parallel testing of multiple products simultaneously, reducing overall evaluation time while maintaining the multi-day multi-aggressor protocol for each sample

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The aggressors are applied in periodic cycles over multiple days rather than continuously. Each day introduces specific aggressors in a structured sequence, allowing systematic assessment of product performance under repeating real-world usage patterns while managing testing duration through rhythmic application schedules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10113943B2Multiple aggressor hair assessment method
Publication Date: 2018.10.30 CONOPCO INC

AI summary

A method of comparatively evaluating the efficacy of a series of hair products, the method comprising, in any order, the steps of applying each individual product or product system to an individual test hair switch; each hair switch being subjected to the same regime of two or more aggressors, once a day for 4 or more days; and the condition of the switches being assessed and compared.