UV Fluorescence Imaging for Quantitative Rinse Property Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining rinse properties of compositions, such as shampoos and conditioners, are inaccurate and difficult to reproduce due to sensitivity to variables like water temperature and flow rate, and require subjective visual assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method using a UV fluorescent dye to visualize the amount of composition remaining on a surface during rinsing, involving image analysis to quantify the rinse properties, allowing for precise determination of the end point of rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If foam tracking methods are used to measure rinsing properties, then the measurement can be performed, but the accuracy and reproducibility deteriorate due to sensitivity to water temperature, flow rate, and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a UV fluorescent dye that emits fluorescence when exposed to UV light. The dye is incorporated into the composition being tested, and its fluorescence intensity is used to quantify the amount of composition remaining on the surface during rinsing. This optical detection method eliminates the need for subjective visual assessment of foam and provides objective, quantitative data that is not affected by water temperature, flow rate, or time variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual foam tracking system with an optical detection system. Instead of measuring foam volume or visual disappearance, the method uses UV fluorescence imaging to detect and quantify the composition remaining on the surface. This substitution of measurement methodology eliminates the sensitivity to physical variables like water temperature and flow rate that plague traditional foam-based methods.
2Measurement precision
If subjective visual assessment of foam is used, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective optical detection using UV fluorescence imaging. The system automatically captures images of the surface under UV light and quantifies the fluorescence intensity to determine the amount of composition remaining. This eliminates operator variability and provides consistent, reproducible results that can be objectively compared across different tests and operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or image of the surface under UV illumination, where the fluorescence signal serves as a quantitative representation of the composition amount. This digital image and its associated data provide an objective record that can be analyzed without human intervention, replacing the subjective visual assessment with an objective digital measurement.
3Productivity
If traditional rinse testing methods are used, then the process can be completed, but the time required increases due to multiple water applications and subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous optical detection throughout the rinsing process, capturing images at multiple time points to track the disappearance of fluorescence. This continuous monitoring eliminates the need for multiple separate water applications and subjective evaluations, allowing the test to be completed more efficiently while providing detailed kinetic data on the rinsing process.
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
Provides a reliable and accessible way to accurately measure rinse properties, ensuring consistent results by quantifying the amount of composition remaining on the surface, thus determining the optimal water usage.
Implementation Method 1
a UV fluorescent dye to enable visualization of the amount of a composition remaining on the hair surface during or after rinsing
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring rinse properties of a composition from a surface. The method includes providing a treatment composition comprising a UV fluorescent dye. The method also includes taking a first image of a surface. The method also includes applying the treatment composition to the surface after taking the first image. The method also includes taking a second image of the surface after applying the treatment composition to the surface. The method also includes rinsing the surface with water after taking the second image. The method also includes taking a third image of the surface after rinsing the surface. The method also includes analysing the first image, the second image, and the third image to quantify an amount of the treatment composition remaining on the surface after rinsing the surface.