Photochromic Applicator with Light-Shielding Cap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Applicator products with photochromic compounds struggle to maintain a colored state over time due to light exposure under natural conditions, making it difficult to accurately apply and visualize the application material.
Innovation Solution
An applicator product with a photochromic compound that changes color under UV light and decolorizes under natural light conditions, combined with a transparent nozzle and light-shielding cap, allowing precise application and visibility of the material before use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a transparent or translucent nozzle is used to allow visibility of the application material, then the ability to view the material before application is improved, but the application material gradually decolorizes when stored under natural light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator product is divided into distinct functional segments: a light-shielding cap that blocks visible light during storage, and a transparent nozzle that allows visibility during application. This segmentation enables each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other - the cap protects the material's color stability while the nozzle provides visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-shielding cap is attached to the applicator product in advance, creating a protective environment for the application material before use. This preliminary protective action prevents premature decolorization by blocking visible light during storage and transport, ensuring the material maintains its colored state until the moment of application.
2Loss of information
If photochromic compounds are used to enable color change under UV light, then the ability to distinguish applied areas is improved, but the material cannot maintain colored state over time under natural light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of natural light (which causes decolorization) into a beneficial feature by utilizing the photochromic property. The application material changes color under UV light exposure, allowing users to clearly see where material has been applied, while naturally fading under visible light to become inconspicuous. This transforms the potential problem of decolorization into a useful visual indication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The application material incorporates photochromic compounds that undergo reversible color changes in response to light wavelength. Under UV light (such as sunlight), the material develops a colored state that is clearly visible, indicating where application has occurred. Under visible light conditions, the material becomes colorless or faint, allowing it to blend in after application. This dynamic color change property directly addresses the need for both visibility during application and inconspicuousness afterward.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a light-shielding cap is attached to block visible light, then the color stability of the application material is improved, but the ability to view the material before application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static protective state to a dynamic functional state. When the light-shielding cap is attached, the system is in a protected state that maintains color stability. When the cap is removed, the system dynamically switches to a functional state where the transparent nozzle allows visibility of the application material. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the applicator product have different optical properties optimized for their specific functions. The cap portion is light-shielding to protect the material during storage, while the nozzle portion is transparent to allow visibility during application. This local differentiation of optical qualities enables each component to fulfill its specific role without compromising overall system performance.
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
Facilitates accurate application of the material by maintaining a colored state until applied, then becoming inconspicuous, enhancing user precision and safety by clearly distinguishing applied and non-applied areas.
Implementation Method 1
photochromic compound that develops a color by irradiation of ultraviolet light with a certain wavelength and is decolorized by irradiation of light under natural conditions
Implementation Method 2
container body that contains the application material in the colored state and shields the application material from visible light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This applicator product, in a section thereof for guiding an adhesive B from a container body 1 towards a top portion 64 and including at least the top portion 64, is furnished with a see-through passage 6a of translucent constitution such that the adhesive B is visible from the outside, whereby it is possible to apply a desired quantity of the adhesive B to an object, and to do so over a desired location and surface area. A cap 7 covers a nozzle 6, maintaining the adhesive B constituting the application material within the see-through passage 6a in a state of being shielded from visible light, so that the adhesive B retains stable coloration.