UV Gap-Spotter Device for Sunscreen Detection and Coverage Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunscreens are difficult to detect once applied, making it challenging to determine if all desired areas of the skin have been covered and if the sunscreen has washed off, leading to uncertainty about the need for reapplication.
Innovation Solution
The UV Gap-Spotter device emits UV-A and UV-B radiation and includes detectors and processors to provide visual and audible feedback based on the intensity and reflection of UV radiation, allowing users to assess UV reflectivity and determine the effectiveness of sunscreen application and reapplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sunscreens are applied to skin, then UV protection is provided, but the sunscreen becomes undetectable to the human eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluorescent compounds that absorb UV radiation and emit visible light, creating a color change effect. When sunscreen containing these compounds is applied to skin, it remains invisible under normal lighting but fluoresces under UV illumination, making it detectable. This resolves the contradiction by providing both UV protection and detectability through a different mechanism (fluorescence) rather than relying on visible color in the applied state.
2Measurement precision
If multiple UV sources are used to illuminate skin, then comprehensive UV coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UV illumination function into multiple independent UV sources (first UV source and second UV source) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to target different UV wavelengths or illuminate different areas of skin independently, improving measurement precision by enabling selective detection of various UV components while managing complexity through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple UV sources through a processor that can selectively activate or deactivate specific UV sources based on detection needs. This dynamic operation allows the system to use only the necessary UV sources for a given measurement task, improving precision when needed while reducing complexity during routine operations by activating fewer sources.
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
Enables users to accurately identify missed areas and determine if sunscreen has washed off, ensuring adequate UV protection by providing modulated visual and audible signals indicative of UV radiation intensity and reflection.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation detector configured to output a first signal having a characteristic that depends on an amplitude of electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector
Implementation Method 2
the source of electromagnetic radiation is a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to provide enriched human-perceptible signals indicative of a parameter of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the apparatus and reflected from an object.