Computer-Based Sunscreen Composition Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computational tools for predicting sunscreen performance are limited in efficiently finding optimal combinations of UV filter substances, leading to cumbersome and lengthy trial-and-error processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based method that automatically determines optimal sunscreen compositions by selecting constraints and optimization objectives, generating candidate compositions, simulating their performance, and comparing it to targets, thereby avoiding manual trial and error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual trial and error methods are used to evaluate UV filter combinations, then developers can assess sunscreen performance, but the process becomes cumbersome and lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error evaluation with an automated computer-based optimization system that uses simulation tools to predict sunscreen performance. The system automatically generates candidate compositions, evaluates them using performance simulation, and identifies optimal combinations without manual intervention, thus substituting mechanical human evaluation with an automated computational system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from evaluating individual compositions manually to systematically varying multiple parameters (UV filter types, concentrations, combinations) through automated generation of candidate compositions. The system explores the parameter space of possible compositions efficiently by generating multiple candidates with different filter combinations and concentrations, then evaluating them through simulation.
2Reliability
If the number of UV filter substances in the composition is increased to achieve better performance, then sunscreen effectiveness improves, but the complexity of finding the optimal combination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex optimization problem into distinct automated steps: generating candidate compositions with multiple UV filters, simulating their performance individually, comparing results against targets, and identifying optimal combinations. This segmentation allows the system to handle increased complexity by breaking it down into manageable computational tasks that can be executed automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses performance simulation tools to create virtual copies of sunscreen compositions and evaluate them computationally before physical formulation. By copying and testing candidate compositions in silico through simulation, the system can assess the performance of compositions with multiple UV filters without the complexity of manual experimentation, thereby managing optimization complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If automated determination of sunscreen composition is implemented, then the determination process becomes efficient and systematic, but computational resources and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining constraints (minimum and maximum concentrations, required performance targets) and available UV filter substances before the automated optimization process. This preliminary setup allows the subsequent automated determination to proceed efficiently with clear boundaries and objectives, reducing the computational complexity of the optimization search space while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where the performance simulation results are compared against target values, and this information feeds back into the optimization process to refine candidate compositions. The system uses the simulation feedback to iteratively improve composition candidates, automatically adjusting filter concentrations and combinations based on performance gaps, thereby achieving efficient systematic determination while managing computational complexity through directed optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based method for determining a sunscreen composition comprising a plurality of UV filter substances, comprises the steps of selecting at least one constraint for at least one characteristic of the composition to be determined (step 30), the at least one constraint comprising a sunscreen performance target; selecting an optimization objective from a plurality of optimization objectives (step 50); and automatically determining the sunscreen composition as a composition of filter substances from a set of filter substances (step 100), the composition meeting the at least one constraint and being optimized with respect to the selected optimization objective. The automatic determination comprises the steps of generating a plurality of candidate compositions, determining a sunscreen performance of the candidate compositions using a performance simulation tool and comparing the determined sunscreen performance of the candidate compositions with the sunscreen performance target. The method allows for an automatic determination of an optimum sunscreen composition based on constraints and objectives, thus avoiding manual trial and error methods that are lengthy and do not always lead to the optimal result.