Carding device with ejection sensor

Abstract

A grooming device is provided. The grooming device includes a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool connection structure, a grooming tool, a displacement sensor, and a power source providing power to the displacement sensor. The tool connection structure is pivotably connected to the proximal end of the handle about a first handle axis and has a connection element and an eject element movable within the tool connection structure along a second handle axis. The tool connection structure further has a position element pivotably connected to the eject element such that the position element remains stationary relative to the handle when the tool connection structure moves about the first handle axis and the position element is displaced relative to the handle and the displacement sensor detects displacement of the position element when the eject element moves along the second handle axis. The grooming tool is connected to the tool connection structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combing device, and more particularly to a combing device that can improve the user experience of the combing device by providing the user with information about the user experience related to the combing device. Background Technology

[0002] Consumers use numerous grooming devices daily. Proper use techniques and information on product consumption can enhance overall product effectiveness, providing users with a better experience than they would otherwise have. This positive experience is likely to lead to continued product use. However, providing users with information on proper use techniques for grooming devices, as well as information on usage and consumption, is limited.

[0003] Razors with sensors are already being used to provide users with information about shaving events. For example, razors with proximity sensors or cameras are providing information about blade wear, and razors with force sensors are providing users with information about the amount of force applied to the skin. Metrics for measuring blade dulling and predicting blade wear are provided by tracking the force applied during shaving. Razors with sensors that count shaving strokes are also being used to help predict blade wear. Cameras are being used to provide users with boundary indicators, such as distinguishing long hair areas, such as sideburns adjacent to areas with shorter hair length.

[0004] Razor blade holder consumption is a major value driver, and accurate blade holder consumption data is of interest to grooming device manufacturers and consumers alike. To accurately track blade holder usage, two data streams are needed: shaving event data and blade holder replacement data. If both data streams are available, it is possible to track consumer usage behavior and provide consumer-relevant characteristics such as blade holder life indicators. While grooming devices (such as razors) with sensors providing shaving event data are already available, there is still a need for grooming devices that can provide blade holder replacement data.

[0005] Additionally, some current combing devices have an auxiliary pivot axis built into the handle or neck region, which allows the combing tool and / or connecting structure to rotate left and right and up and down during use. However, in these combing devices, the blade holder eject button is directly attached to the connecting structure, and any rotation about the auxiliary pivot axis also causes the eject button to rotate relative to the handle, which introduces noise into the collected data on blade holder replacement. Therefore, there is a need for a combing device that can have multiple rotation axes for the combing tool / connecting structure while still accurately providing blade holder replacement data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a combing device. The combing device includes a handle, a tool connection structure, and a combing element. The handle includes a proximal end, a distal end, a displacement sensor, and a power source for supplying power to the displacement sensor. The tool connection structure is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the handle about a first handle axis and includes a connecting element and an ejector element. The ejector element is movable within the tool connection structure along a second handle axis. The tool connection structure also includes a position element pivotally connected to the ejector element such that when the tool connection structure moves about the first handle axis, the position element remains stationary relative to the handle, and when the ejector element moves along the second handle axis, the position element displaces relative to the handle, and the displacement sensor detects the displacement of the position element. The combing tool is connected to the tool connection structure.

[0007] The handle may have a housing portion and a neck portion pivotally connected to the housing portion about a third handle axis. The displacement sensor and the power supply may be disposed in the housing portion or the neck portion, and the tool connection structure is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the neck portion about a first handle axis.

[0008] The neck section and the tool connection structure are capable of moving around the axis of the third handle.

[0009] Displacement sensors may include magnetic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, resistive sensors, conductivity sensors, proximity sensors, electrical switches, mechanical switches, electromechanical switches, or electromagnetic switches.

[0010] The location element may include a magnet, a visual marker, a physical marker, or a conductive material.

[0011] The positioning element may include a locator disposed therein, preferably located in the distal end of the positioning element. The locator may include a magnet, a visual marker, a physical marker, or a conductive material.

[0012] The handle may contain a communication device.

[0013] Data from the displacement sensor can be transmitted to the user or another device.

[0014] The handle may include a shaving event sensor. The handle can process accumulated shaving data from the shaving event sensor. Data from the displacement sensor is used to reset the accumulated shaving data.

[0015] The combing device may include a base that can be used as a charging station for the power source. The base may also include a communication device, a processor, and a memory that can store and process data received from the combing device.

[0016] The grooming device can be an electric razor, a shaving razor, and / or a hair removal device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Although the specification concludes with claims that are particularly pointed out and clearly stated to form the subject matter of the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals are used to indicate substantially the same elements, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front plan view of the combing device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the combing device, wherein the ejector element is in the first position;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the combing device, wherein the ejector element is in the second position and the combing tool is removed;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional front view of the combing device, wherein the tool connection structure is in the first position and the ejector element is in the first position;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional front view of the combing device, wherein the tool connection structure is in the second position and the ejector element is in the first position;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional front view of the combing device, wherein the tool connection structure is in the first position, the ejector element is in the second position, and the combing tool is removed;

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of a combing device, wherein the alternative handle portion has a housing portion and a neck portion;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional side view of the combing device, in which the displacement sensor is in an alternative position;

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The front plan view of the combing device and its base; and

[0027] Figure 10 A planar diagram of the collected ejection event data and related algorithms. Detailed Implementation

[0028] See Figure 1 The figure shows a grooming device 10. As shown, the grooming device 10 is a razor, but it can also be an electric razor, epilator, and / or any other type of grooming device. The grooming device 10 typically includes a handle 100 having a proximal end 105 and a distal end 110, a tool connection structure 200 pivotally connected to the proximal end 105 of the handle 100, and a grooming tool 300 removably connected to the tool connection structure 200. The grooming tool 300 shown is a razor blade holder that includes one or more blades 305 for cutting hair.

[0029] See Figures 2 to 6 The displacement sensor 115 is located within the handle 100 and configured to sense the position of the position element 225 of the tool connection structure 200. This displacement sensor is preferably a non-contact sensor and can be a magnetic sensor, optical sensor, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, resistive sensor, conductive sensor, proximity sensor, electrical switch, mechanical switch, electromechanical switch, or electromagnetic switch, etc. The position element can be a magnet, visual marker, physical marker, conductive material, etc. A power source 120 (such as a battery) is also located within the handle 100 and operatively connected to the displacement sensor 115 to provide power to the displacement sensor 115 and any other sensors and devices within the handle 100 that require power.

[0030] The tool connection structure 200 is pivotally connected to the proximal end 105 of the handle 100 via a post 205 extending into an opposing hole 137 in the handle 100, allowing the tool connection structure to pivot relative to the handle 100 about a first handle axis A. As shown, the tool connection structure 200 includes a connecting element 210 and an ejection element 215 (such as a button), the connecting element being configured to secure the combing tool 300 to the tool connection structure 200, and the ejection element being configured to eject the combing tool 300 from the tool connection structure 200. The ejection element 215 is movable within the tool connection structure 200 along a second handle axis B, preferably sliding within the tool connection structure along the second handle axis B, and is biased to a first position by a spring 220.

[0031] The tool connection structure 200 also includes a position element 225. The proximal end 240 of the position element 225 has a coupling element 245 that receives a protrusion 222 of the ejector element 215 to pivotally connect the position element 225 to the ejector element 215. Preferably, the connection structure 200 is configured to rotate about a handle axis A while the position element 225 remains stationary relative to the handle 100, but to engage the position element 225 and the ejector element 215 when the ejector element 215 moves or slides along a handle axis B, such that when the ejector element 215 moves along a second handle axis B, the position element 225 is displaced relative to the handle 100. Additionally, the distal end 235 of the position element 225 is restricted to rotation about the handle axis A and is slidably connected to the handle 100 via a guide element 145, but is not restricted to movement along the handle axis B.

[0032] In use, the combing tool 300 is connected to the connecting element 210, and the ejector element 215 is held in the first position or the rest position. Figure 2 In the first position, even if the tool connection structure 200 and the ejector element 215 pivot about the first shank axis A, the displacement sensor 115 will detect a constant position of the position element 225. When the ejector element 215 moves from the first position to the second position to eject the combing tool 300... Figure 3 When the ejector element 215 slides forward, this pulls the position element 225 forward, and the distance between the displacement sensor 115 and the position element 225 increases. This increased distance results in a decrease in the signal strength from the position element 225 to the displacement sensor 115. Once the combing tool 300 has been removed and any user force has been removed from the ejector element 215, the spring 220 biases the ejector element 215 and the position element 225 back to the first position, which again increases the signal strength from the position element 225 to the displacement sensor 115. Data from the displacement sensor 115 can then be analyzed to identify ejection events, characterized by instantaneous negative peaks or a decrease in signal strength when the positioner 260 moves away from the displacement sensor 115 and returns.

[0033] Alternatively, the ejector element 215 and the position element 225 can be manufactured as a single, integral component with flexible hinge features, instead of the connecting element between the ejector element 215 and the position element 225, as described above. This simplifies the assembly of the ejector element 215 and the position element 225 while still providing the desired degrees of freedom.

[0034] An alternative approach to the aforementioned mechanical concept would be to collect data including auxiliary pivot noise and then attempt to retrospectively remove that noise using software filters and algorithms. However, while software methods such as those described above would result in simpler mechanical devices, it is more efficient to mechanically eliminate noise at the source to improve the quality of the collected data, rather than having to clean it up later. The aforementioned mechanical concept also reduces the immediate processing requirements if the data stream is used for real-time functions such as load feedback during operation.

[0035] The handle 100 may also include a shaving event sensor 150, preferably located in the housing portion 125, such as those discussed in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 251,535, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The handle 100 may, for example, use a processor 160 to process accumulated shaving data from the shaving event sensor 150, and data from the displacement sensor 115 regarding the ejection of the grooming tool 300 may be used to reset the accumulated shaving data.

[0036] The handle 100 may also include a communication device 155, such as a visual indicator, a light-emitting diode (LED), a vibration mechanism, an audio mechanism, a wired connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, an infrared connection, a cellular connection, etc. This communication device can be used to transmit data from the displacement sensor 115 to the user of the combing device 10 and / or another device, such as another combing device 10, a base 400, a mobile phone, a computer application, a computer, an electronic device, etc.

[0037] The handle 100 may also include a processor 160. The processor 160 may use an algorithm to calculate the ejection event of the combing tool 300 based on the displacement of the position element 225 detected by the displacement sensor 115.

[0038] like Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the handle 100 may further include a housing portion 125 and a neck portion 130, the housing portion preferably being waterproof, and the neck portion being pivotally connected to the housing portion 125 via a pin 135 extending through an opposing opening in the housing portion 125, such that the neck portion 130 is rotatable relative to the housing portion 125 about a third handle axis C. The tool connection structure 200 is also movable or rotatable about the third handle axis C. A displacement sensor 115 may be disposed in the housing portion 125 or the neck portion 130 of the handle 100, and a power supply 120 may be disposed in the housing portion 125 of the handle 100. Preferably, the displacement sensor 115 is positioned at the proximal end 127 of the housing portion 125, adjacent to the neck portion 130. As shown, the tool connection structure 200 is pivotally connected to the proximal end 140 of the neck portion 130 about a first handle axis A.

[0039] As described above, the handle 100 may also include a processor 160, a shaving event sensor 150, and / or a communication device 155, preferably in the housing portion 125.

[0040] The position element 225 may also include a locator 260, such as a magnet, visual marker, physical marker, conductive material, etc., which is preferably embedded or fixed in the distal end 235 of the position element 225 and can be sensed by the displacement sensor 115.

[0041] like Figure 9 As shown, when not in use, the combing device 10 can be held in a base 400, which can be used as a charging station for the power supply 120. The base 400 may also include a communication device 405 that can communicate with a communication device 155 in the handle 100 of the combing device 10 and / or may be mounted in the base 400 so that it is visible to the user for direct communication. The base 400 may also include a processor 410 and a memory 415 that can store data received from the combing device 10 and to be processed by the processor 410.

[0042] See now Figure 10 A plan view 500 shows the collected data and the algorithm used by the grooming device 10. At 505, with power 120 on, raw data is collected from displacement sensor 115 and from shaving event sensor 150 (if used). The raw data is then converted into measurement results at 510. The measurement results may be generated by processor 160 in handle 100. Alternatively, the raw data may be transmitted from communication device 155 to an external device, such as a mobile phone, computer application, computer, or other electronic device that converts the raw data into measurement results.

[0043] At point 515, an algorithm is used to detect ejection events, including the ejection of the combing tool 300 from the handle 100, from the raw data of the displacement sensor 115. This algorithm may include monitoring the displacement of the position element 225 via the displacement sensor 115 to detect movement of the ejection element 215, and calculating the ejection event of the combing tool 300 based on the displacement of the position element 225. The algorithm may also include monitoring the intensity of activity recorded by the displacement sensor 115.

[0044] At 520, grooming tool ejection information can be generated from the measurement results based on data from displacement sensor 115. Furthermore, if shaving event sensor 150 is used and the handle 100 processes accumulated shaving data, the data from displacement sensor 115 can be used to reset the accumulated shaving data based on the grooming tool ejection information and / or trigger a notification to the user requesting confirmation or cancellation of the accumulated shaving data reset based on the grooming tool ejection information.

[0045] Example as follows:

[0046] A. A combing device, comprising:

[0047] a. A handle portion, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the handle portion comprising:

[0048] i. Displacement sensor; and

[0049] ii. A power source that provides power to the displacement sensor;

[0050] b. A tool connection structure including a connecting element and an ejector element, the tool connection structure being pivotally connected to the proximal end of the handle about a first handle axis, and the ejector element being slidable within the tool connection structure along a second handle axis, the tool connection structure further comprising:

[0051] i. A positioning element, pivotally connected to the ejector element, such that when the tool connection structure moves about the first shank axis, the positioning element remains stationary relative to the shank, and when the ejector element moves along the second shank axis, the positioning element displaces relative to the shank, and the displacement sensor detects the displacement of the positioning element; and

[0052] c. A combing tool, which is connected to the tool connection structure.

[0053] B. The combing device according to paragraph A, wherein the handle includes a housing portion and a neck portion pivotally connected to the housing portion about a third handle axis, and the tool connection structure is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the neck portion about a first handle axis.

[0054] C. The combing device according to paragraph B, wherein the displacement sensor is positioned within the housing portion.

[0055] D. The combing device according to paragraph B, wherein the displacement sensor is positioned within the neck portion.

[0056] E. The combing device according to paragraph B, wherein the power source is located within the housing portion of the handle.

[0057] F. The combing device according to any of paragraphs A to E, wherein the tool connection structure is movable about the axis of the third handle.

[0058] G. The combing device according to any one of paragraphs A to F, wherein the displacement sensor includes a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, a conductivity sensor, a proximity sensor, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, an electromechanical switch, or an electromagnetic switch.

[0059] H. The combing device according to any of paragraphs A through G, wherein the position element includes a magnet, a visual marker, a physical marker, or a conductive material.

[0060] I. The combing device according to paragraph H, wherein the position element includes a positioner.

[0061] J. The combing device according to paragraph I, wherein the locator includes a magnet, a visual marker, or a conductive material.

[0062] K. A combing device according to any of paragraphs A to J, wherein the handle includes one or more guide elements to slidably connect the position element to the handle.

[0063] L. The combing device according to any of paragraphs A to K, wherein the position element includes one or more connecting elements to pivotally connect the position element to the ejector element.

[0064] M. A combing device according to any one of paragraphs A to L, wherein the handle includes a communication device.

[0065] O. The combing device according to paragraph M, wherein the communication device includes a visual indicator, an LED, a vibration mechanism, an audio mechanism, a wired connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a cellular connection, or an infrared connection.

[0066] P. According to the combing device described in paragraph M, data from the displacement sensor is transmitted to the user or another device.

[0067] Q. The combing device described in any of paragraphs A through P, wherein the handle further includes a shaving event sensor.

[0068] R. The combing device according to paragraph Q, wherein the shank processes accumulated shaving data from the shaving event sensor.

[0069] S. According to the combing device described in paragraph R, data from the displacement sensor is used to reset the accumulated shaving data.

[0070] T. The combing device described in any of paragraphs A to S, wherein the algorithm calculates the ejection event of the combing tool based on the displacement of the position element.

[0071] U. A combing device according to any one of paragraphs A to T, wherein the combing device includes an electric razor, a shaving razor, and / or a hair removal device.

[0072] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0073] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0074] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combing device, comprising: a. A handle portion, the handle portion including a proximal end and a distal end, the handle portion comprising: i. Displacement sensor; and ii. A power source that provides power to the displacement sensor; b. A tool connection structure, the tool connection structure including a connecting element and an ejector element, the tool connection structure being pivotally connected to a proximal end of the handle about a first handle axis, and the ejector element being movable within the tool connection structure along a second handle axis, the tool connection structure further comprising: i. A positioning element, pivotally connected to the ejector element, such that when the tool connection structure moves about the first shank axis, the positioning element remains stationary relative to the shank, and when the ejector element moves along the second shank axis, the positioning element displaces relative to the shank, and the displacement sensor detects the displacement of the positioning element; and c. A combing tool, which is connected to the tool connection structure.

2. The combing device of claim 1, wherein the handle includes a housing portion and a neck portion pivotally connected to the housing portion about a third handle axis, and the tool connection structure is pivotally connected to the proximal end of the neck portion about a first handle axis.

3. The combing device according to claim 2, wherein the displacement sensor is positioned within the housing portion.

4. The combing device according to claim 2, wherein the displacement sensor is positioned within the neck portion.

5. The combing device according to claim 2, wherein the power source is located within the housing portion of the handle.

6. The combing device according to claim 2, wherein the tool connection structure is movable about the axis of the third handle.

7. The combing device according to claim 1, wherein the displacement sensor includes a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a resistive sensor, a conductivity sensor, a proximity sensor, an electrical switch, a mechanical switch, an electromechanical switch, or an electromagnetic switch.

8. The combing device according to claim 1, wherein the position element comprises a magnet, a visual marker, a physical marker, or a conductive material.

9. The combing device according to claim 1, wherein the position element includes a positioner.

10. The combing device of claim 9, wherein the locator comprises a magnet, a visual marker, or a conductive material.

11. The combing device of claim 1, wherein the handle includes one or more guide elements to slidably connect the position element to the handle.

12. The combing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the position element includes one or more coupling elements to pivotally connect the position element to the ejector element.

13. The combing device according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a communication device.

14. The combing device according to claim 13, wherein the communication device includes a visual indicator, a vibration mechanism, an audio mechanism, a wired connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a cellular connection, or an infrared connection.

15. The combing device of claim 13, wherein data from the displacement sensor is transmitted to a user or another device.

16. The combing device of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a shaving event sensor.

17. The combing device of claim 16, wherein the handle further comprises a processor for processing accumulated shaving data from the shaving event sensor.

18. The combing apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor uses data from the displacement sensor to reset the accumulated shaving data.

19. The grooming device according to claim 1, wherein the grooming device comprises an electric razor, a shaving razor, and / or a hair removal device.

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