Sunscreen Detection Device Using Wavelength Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in determining whether sufficient sunscreen has been applied to the skin and maintaining adequate protection over time, as sunscreen is not visible and its effectiveness diminishes with exposure to sun, moisture, and physical activity, making it difficult for users to assess coverage.

Innovation Solution

A sunscreen detection device that emits light at specific wavelengths, measures absorption using sensors, and assesses protection levels through a processor, providing feedback via an indicator light or smartphone app, utilizing a sunscreen signature to differentiate between applied sunscreen and skin absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If light absorption measurement is used to detect sunscreen coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesunscreen coverage detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the light detection into multiple discrete wavelength channels, each with its own sensor element. This allows precise measurement of sunscreen absorption characteristics at different wavelengths while keeping each individual sensor element simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light sources at specific wavelengths as intermediaries to indirectly measure sunscreen coverage. Instead of directly detecting sunscreen presence, the system uses light absorption at characteristic wavelengths as a mediator to infer coverage levels, improving precision without requiring direct contact or complex sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light wavelengths are used to differentiate sunscreen from skin, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesunscreen vs skin differentiationVSAvoidlight source energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies local quality by selecting specific discrete wavelengths where sunscreen and skin have distinct absorption characteristics. Rather than using a broad spectrum, it focuses energy only at the critical wavelengths needed for differentiation, improving precision while minimizing energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by illuminating only at the specific wavelengths necessary for detection rather than continuous full-spectrum light. This provides sufficient information for accurate measurement while consuming minimal energy, avoiding the excess of continuous illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If real-time feedback is provided to users, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time for processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser feedback mechanismVSAvoidprocessing and communication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements immediate feedback by processing light absorption measurements and providing real-time indicators of sunscreen coverage status. This allows users to instantly know whether adequate sunscreen is applied, improving ease of operation without significant time loss through efficient processing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically measuring coverage and providing feedback without requiring user interpretation or additional steps. The device independently completes the entire measurement and communication process, minimizing processing time while maximizing ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device effectively determines if sufficient sunscreen is applied, providing users with real-time protection feedback and recommending reapplication when necessary, ensuring continuous skin protection.

Implementation Method 1

a first light sensor circuit, disposed on the substrate and communicatively coupled to the processor, capable of sensing a percentage absorption of light by the subject's skin at the first light wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10624573B2Sunscreen verification device
Publication Date: 2020.04.21 FITSKIN INC
  • US10624573B2 patent drawing
  • US10624573B2 patent drawing
  • US10624573B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is a sunscreen detection device for detecting a sunscreen product, the sunscreen detection device comprising: a substrate; a first light, disposed on the substrate and controllably coupled to a processor, controllable by the processor to emit light at a first light wavelength at the subject's skin when the sunscreen detection device is oriented to emit light on the subject's skin; a first light sensor circuit, disposed on the substrate and communicatively coupled to the processor, capable of sensing a percentage absorption of light by the subject's skin at the first light wavelength (% AbsAtWL1) and communicating the % AbsAtWL1 to the processor; a processor, configured to: cause the first light to emit light when the sunscreen detection device is oriented to emit light on the subject's skin; record the % AbsAtWL1 from the first light sensor; and assess a level of sunscreen protection based at least on the % AbsAtWL1.