UV Nail Curing Device with Selective Zone Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nail varnish curing devices using ultraviolet radiation do not effectively limit exposure of uncoated body parts to UV radiation, which is harmful in high doses.

Innovation Solution

A device with a controlled layout of nine ultraviolet radiation sources and a presence sensor system that adjusts illumination zones based on hand position, ensuring only the nails are exposed to UV radiation, reducing unnecessary UV exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ultraviolet radiation sources are used to cure nail varnish quickly, then the curing speed is improved, but the exposure of uncoated body parts to harmful UV radiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring speedVSAvoidUV radiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the radiation field into multiple independently controllable zones corresponding to different fingers. Each zone has its own radiation source that can be activated or deactivated separately based on the presence and position of fingers, allowing selective illumination only of coated nails while leaving uncoated areas in darkness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements different illumination conditions for different spatial locations. Each finger position receives radiation only when a finger is present and properly positioned, while other positions remain unilluminated. This localizes the beneficial UV radiation effect precisely to where needed (coated nails) while avoiding harmful exposure elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If multiple radiation sources are used to illuminate all finger positions, then the curing coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of radiation sources based on real-time detection of finger presence and position. The system activates only the radiation sources corresponding to occupied finger positions, rather than illuminating all positions simultaneously. This dynamic adaptation reduces energy consumption while maintaining complete coverage of actually used areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies radiation selectively to only those areas where fingers are present and nail varnish needs curing, rather than illuminating the entire available space. This partial action approach avoids wasting energy on empty or unnecessary areas while ensuring complete coverage of the required zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 efficiently cures nail varnish while minimizing exposure to harmful UV radiation, ensuring user safety and reducing energy consumption by targeting only the necessary areas.

Implementation Method 1

Nail varnish curing devices using ultraviolet radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

curing nail varnish by ultraviolet radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

the first presence sensor comprising an infrared emitter and an infrared detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3027079B1Device for hardening nail varnish by radiation
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 LOREAL SA
  • EP3027079B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3027079B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for hardening nail varnish by means of ultraviolet radiation. Said device comprises: a bearing surface (26) for supporting the hands or the feet of the user; and radiation sources (38) for emitting radiation for hardening nail varnish, in the form of a light beam for illuminating the nails of the user. On the bearing surface (26), the beams define at least six illuminated portions (42) separated from each other by a non-illuminated portion, the number of illuminated portions (42) being less than nine.