pH-Sensitive Cleanser Composition for Coverage Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a challenge in determining if a desired area of a substrate has been adequately covered by a composition, as existing methods rely on visual cues that may not persist over time or be stable under various conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a composition containing an indicator, light stabilizer, and antioxidant to a substrate, which changes color upon use to indicate coverage and remains stable over time, allowing for adjustable timing of color change based on indicator concentration and pH.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a composition is colored to assist in visually identifying coverage, then coverage indication is improved, but the color may remain on the substrate longer than desired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage indicationVSAvoidcolor persistence
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating pH-sensitive indicators that change color based on pH conditions. The composition is formulated with specific pH levels and buffer systems that cause the indicator to change color at particular pH thresholds, allowing controlled color indication that fades or changes as the composition dries or reacts with the substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies color changes by using pH-sensitive indicators that exhibit different colors at different pH levels. The composition is designed to have a specific pH that triggers a color change in the indicator, providing visual coverage indication. As the composition interacts with the substrate or environment, the pH changes and the color transitions, eventually fading or changing to indicate the composition has been applied and is drying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the composition remains stable over time on the shelf, then storage stability is improved, but the color change during use may be delayed or reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf stabilityVSAvoidcolor change timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-formulating the composition with specific pH levels, buffer systems, and indicator concentrations that are optimized to remain stable during storage but trigger a predictable color change when applied. The composition is prepared in advance with all components in equilibrium, ready to undergo the intended color change reaction upon use without requiring additional activation steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by designing a composition that transitions from a stable, non-changing state during storage to an active color-changing state during use. The pH-sensitive indicator system remains in equilibrium during shelf storage but dynamically responds to pH changes when the composition is applied, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on the operational context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 composition effectively indicates coverage on the substrate during use while maintaining stability, ensuring the desired area is treated, and the color change is observable within a specified timeframe.

Implementation Method 1

the composition changes color upon use to indicate coverage and remains stable over time, allowing for adjustable timing of color change based on indicator concentration and pH

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH indicator color change: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

at least one light stabilizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight stabilization: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 3

at least one antioxidant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation prevention: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS8236744B2Composition with a color to indicate coverage
Publication Date: 2012.08.07 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

A composition comprising at least one indicator, at least one light stabilizer, and at least one antioxidant. The composition is useful as a cleanser that provides a usage timer based on color change to indicate to a person that sufficient time has elapsed for cleansing.