UV-LED Cap Illuminates Fluorescent Sunscreen for Coverage Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunscreens lack a reliable method to ensure complete coverage of body surfaces during application, as manual application does not guarantee missed areas are identified.
Innovation Solution
A light-activated sunscreen product contained in a container with a built-in light source and switch, using UV LEDs to illuminate a zinc-oxide-based lotion with fluorescent dye, causing it to glow and indicate coverage on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of coverage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates fluorescent substances into the sunscreen formulation that cause the applied product to glow under UV illumination. This color/optical change enables visual detection of coverage areas, directly resolving the contradiction by maintaining simple manual application while adding the ability to precisely measure and verify coverage through fluorescence visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary UV light source (black light or UV LED) that mediates between the applied sunscreen and the user's ability to detect coverage. This intermediary enables the fluorescence effect to be activated and observed, allowing precise coverage measurement without complicating the manual application process itself.
2Measurement precision
If black light booth with mirror is used, then measurement precision of coverage is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of coverage detection from the complex black light booth environment and consolidates it into a simple UV light source that can be used anywhere. By taking out only the necessary UV illumination capability and removing the need for mirrors, booths, and specialized viewing environments, the system achieves high measurement precision with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sunscreen formulation itself provides the detection mechanism through its fluorescent properties. The product self-indicates coverage areas when exposed to UV light, eliminating the need for external detection devices, mirrors, or complex viewing systems. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If UV light source is integrated into closure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV light source with the closure component of the container. By combining these two elements into a single integrated unit, the system achieves precise coverage detection while minimizing overall device complexity. The closure serves dual functions: sealing the container and providing the UV illumination source for coverage verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the container seal and as the housing for the UV light source. This universal design approach allows the same component to perform multiple functions, thereby improving coverage detection precision without adding separate dedicated devices or increasing overall system complexity.
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
Ensures adequate sunscreen coverage by visually highlighting any missed areas under illumination, compatible with various application types including spray-on and roll-on sunscreens.
Implementation Method 1
a light-activated sunscreen product... using UV LEDs to illuminate a zinc-oxide-based lotion with fluorescent dye, causing it to glow and indicate coverage on the skin
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for ensuring adequate sunscreen protection includes a light-activated sunscreen product, and an illuminator including a battery, a switch and a light source that causes the light-activated sunscreen product to glow when illuminated with the light source. The light-activated sunscreen product may include a zinc-oxide-based lotion and a fluorescent substance such as fluorescein dye causing the lotion to glow in any available color when applied to the skin and illuminated by the light source. The closure may be a cap with a threaded attachment to the container, and the light source may comprise one or more ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The illuminator may be disposed in a cap with top and side surfaces, and the switch may be positioned on the side of the cap, and the light source on the top of the cap, or vice versa. The switch is preferably a momentary contact switch.