Photosensitive Printing Composition for Disposable UV Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV sensor technologies for monitoring sun exposure are often integrated into devices, are not disposable, or are not calibrated for different skin types, and lack affordability and simplicity in production processes.
Innovation Solution
A photosensitive printing composition comprising photocatalytic nanoparticles, a colouring agent, and a film-forming polymer, suitable for inkjet printing, which forms a sun-exposure sensor that changes color in response to UV radiation, allowing for easy calibration and use on various skin types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV sensor technology is integrated into devices or wearable sensors, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a disposable UV sensor sticker that can be applied to skin or surfaces. The sensor uses a photocatalyst layer (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) combined with a colorimetric indicator layer that changes color upon UV exposure. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex electronic components, batteries, or data processing units required in wearable sensors, while still providing reliable UV exposure monitoring through visual color change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential sensing function from complex electronic sensor systems and isolates it into a simple optical-chemical system. By removing electronic components and retaining only the core UV detection mechanism (photocatalyst + colorimetric indicator), the solution achieves reliable sensing capability with minimal device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If disposable UV sensors are produced, then ease of use and calibration for different skin types is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into distinct functional layers: a photocatalyst layer (titanium dioxide nanoparticles), a colorimetric indicator layer (organic dye), and a substrate. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and facilitates simple manufacturing through sequential coating or printing processes. The modular structure also enables easy calibration by adjusting the composition or thickness of specific layers to match different skin types and UV sensitivity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables calibration for different skin types by modifying physical and chemical parameters of the sensor layers, such as the concentration of photocatalyst nanoparticles, the type and concentration of colorimetric indicators, and the thickness of each layer. These parameter changes allow the same basic sensor design to be adapted for various skin phototypes without requiring complete redesign, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving customization.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple printing processes are used for sensor fabrication, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but manufacturing precision and sensor performance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs printing technology (such as inkjet printing) to deposit the photocatalyst and colorimetric indicator materials onto the substrate. This copying approach allows precise control over the spatial distribution, concentration, and thickness of each layer through digitally controlled printing parameters. The printing process can replicate exact material compositions and layer structures, ensuring consistent sensor performance while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard printing equipment.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, disposable, and easily producible sun-exposure sensor that accurately monitors UV exposure, enabling safe sun protection and vitamin D synthesis by changing color in response to UV radiation, suitable for different skin types.
Implementation Method 1
a photocatalyst which exhibits a photocatalytic effect when exposed to UV and/or visible radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a photosensitive printing composition comprising a photocatalyst which exhibits a photocatalytic effect when exposed to UV and/or visible radiation, a colouring agent that exhibits a colour change in response to the photocatalytic effect, and a film forming agent. The composition has a viscosity suitable for printing. The invention further relates to a sun-exposure sensor comprising a photosensitive layer printed on a surface of a support, the photosensitive layer comprising a photocatalyst which exhibits a photocatalytic effect when exposed to UV and/or visible radiation, a colouring agent that exhibits a colour change in response to the photocatalytic effect, and a film forming agent.