Determining when operating head needs to be replaced
By monitoring and analyzing the operating parameters of personal care devices and using computer-based methods to determine the wear condition of the hair cutter, the problem of difficult replacement caused by different hair types of users has been solved, enabling precise judgment of the timing of hair cutter replacement and improving user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing personal care devices, such as hair cutting equipment, make it difficult to accurately determine when the cutter needs to be replaced, especially since different users have different hair types and therefore different wear rates, making it difficult for users to determine when to replace it.
By monitoring the operating parameters of personal care devices through sensors, calculating energy consumption based on changes in these parameters over time, determining the wear condition of the operating head using computer-based methods, and sending replacement signals when necessary, the timing of replacement is customized.
It enables precise assessment of the cutter's wear condition based on the user's specific usage, allowing for timely replacement of the operating head and improving efficiency and user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN122029019A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The subject matter of this disclosure relates to personal care devices and determining when the operating head of a personal care device needs to be replaced, as well as transient or non-transitory computer-readable media. Background Technology
[0002] Personal care devices, such as hair trimming equipment, typically include a cutter. When the cutter is first installed on a personal care device, it is sharp and can cut or shave hair well. However, over time, the cutter or shaving device becomes duller and needs to be replaced.
[0003] Generating replacement signals for users can be difficult because different users have different hair types. For example, one user might have a thick, coarse beard, while another might have a sparse, fine beard. The former will dull the cutter more quickly than the latter.
[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve existing technology.
[0005] US2018 / 0236674 discloses an electric shaving device in which friction between the cutting components of a cutting head is monitored and processed to determine wear conditions. It is based on the design of the cutting components such that the friction between them is correlated with their wear conditions in a predetermined manner. For example, the contact area may vary with different wear levels, or different materials may come into contact with each other at different wear levels. The frictional force can be determined based on the power level of the motor. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This invention is defined by the claims.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is provided for determining when an operating head of a personal care device needs to be replaced. The computer-implemented method includes: monitoring operating parameters sensed by sensors of the personal care device, the operating parameters being associated with operating the operating head; determining a value based on the operating parameters over time; determining, based on the value, the energy used to operate the operating head over time; determining, based on a change in energy over time, that the operating head needs to be replaced; and, in response to determining that the operating head needs to be replaced, sending a signal indicating that the operating head needs to be replaced. The determination that the operating head needs to be replaced is based on how the personal care device is operated by a particular user. In this way, the determination is tailored to that particular user.
[0008] In one embodiment, determining the value based on the operating parameter over time includes: measuring the real-time value of the operating parameter using a sensor; and subtracting the free-running value of the operating parameter from the real-time value of the operating parameter.
[0009] In one embodiment, subtracting a real-time value based on the operating parameter from the free-running value of the operating parameter includes: monitoring the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter; and subtracting the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter from the real-time value of the operating parameter.
[0010] In one embodiment, monitoring the real-time free-run value of the operating parameter includes determining the real-time free-run value of the operating parameter by: applying a low-pass filter to the real-time value of the operating parameter to discard values above a threshold; calculating the minimum shift from the real-time value of the operating parameter; or calculating the 1st percentile value of the shift from the real-time value of the operating parameter.
[0011] In one embodiment, determining that the operating head needs to be replaced based on changes in energy over time includes: calculating the cumulative energy over time using the determined energy; comparing the cumulative energy with an energy threshold; and determining that the operating head needs to be replaced based on the comparison.
[0012] In one embodiment, determining that the operating head needs to be replaced based on the comparison includes: determining that the operating head needs to be replaced when the accumulated energy is greater than or equal to an energy threshold.
[0013] In one embodiment, the personal care appliance includes a motor for operating the operating head during use, wherein the operating parameter is the power or current of the motor.
[0014] In one embodiment, determining the energy used to operate the operating head over time based on the value of the operating parameters includes integrating the determined value over time.
[0015] In one embodiment, the personal care appliance is a trimmer or razor, and the operating head is a trimmer.
[0016] In one embodiment, in response to determining that the operating head needs to be replaced, a signal indicating that the operating head will be replaced is sent, including sending a signal to a display device to display a notification to the user for replacing the operating head.
[0017] In one embodiment, the display device is a remote device or a display device mounted on a personal care appliance.
[0018] According to one aspect of the invention, a transient or non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a computer-implemented method of any of the foregoing aspects or embodiments.
[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a personal care device is provided, the personal care device comprising: a handle; a sensor coupled to the handle; an attachment for attaching an operating head to the handle; and a controller having a processor and a memory, wherein the memory has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a computer-implemented method of any of the foregoing aspects or embodiments.
[0020] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and be elucidated with reference to one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The embodiments of the invention can be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] Figure 1 A block diagram of a personal care appliance according to one or more embodiments is shown;
[0023] Figure 2 This shows a series of parameter values captured over time for new and worn operating heads of personal care devices, respectively;
[0024] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates operational values measured over time from sensors of a personal care device according to one or more embodiments, and decomposes them into components attributable to the operation of the operating head and components attributable to the free-running motor of the personal care device.
[0025] Figure 4 A graph illustrating a method for determining free-running values from measured values, according to one or more embodiments, is shown.
[0026] Figure 5 A graph showing the accumulated energy during multiple scrapings relative to the accumulated energy replacement threshold is shown; and
[0027] Figure 6 A flowchart summarizing a computer-implemented method for determining whether the operating head of a personal care device needs to be replaced is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0028] At least some of the example embodiments described herein can be constructed, in whole or in part, using dedicated hardware. Terms such as “component,” “module,” or “unit” as used herein may include, but are not limited to, hardware operating heads that perform certain tasks or provide associated functionality, such as circuit devices in discrete or integrated component form, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. In some embodiments, these functional elements may include (by way of example) components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuit devices, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules, and units discussed herein, these functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it should be understood that the described features can be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, features of any example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment where appropriate, unless such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" mean to include the specified components (one or more), but do not exclude the presence of other components.
[0029] refer to Figure 1 According to one or more embodiments, the personal care appliance 100 includes a handle 102, an attachment 104, an operating head 106, a power supply 108, a controller 110, a motor 112, a sensor 114, and a display 116.
[0030] Personal care appliance 100 may be a hair removal device, such as a trimmer or razor. Operating head 106 is a device for performing operations such as hair removal. The operating head may be a trimmer. The trimmer includes a protective shield and a cutter. As the cutter reciprocates over the protective shield, both the cutter and the protective shield include teeth that cut hair therebetween.
[0031] The attachment 104 attaches the operating head 106 to the handle 102.
[0032] The power source 108 can be a battery, such as a secondary battery or a rechargeable battery.
[0033] Controller 110 may include memory and one or more processors. The memory includes electronic data in the form of instructions. When executed by one or more processors, these instructions can cause the one or more processors to perform the computer-implemented methods described herein. In this way, the memory may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may also be provided as a transient computer-readable medium when provided as a download to be stored on the memory.
[0034] Motor 112 can consume energy from power source 108 during operation. This energy can be sensed by sensor 114. The sensor senses operating parameters associated with operating the operating head. The operating parameters are current or power.
[0035] The display 116 can be mounted on the outer surface of the handle 102 and communicatively linked to the controller to display instructions generated by the controller.
[0036] refer to Figure 2 Both graphs show the operating parameter values cycling between values associated with cutting hair and values associated with the free-running motor. The free-running motor value is associated with a trough 202, and the cutting hair value is associated with a peak 204. Each graph also shows an average line 206, a line 208 with a value equal to the average plus 10% of the peak-to-peak signal swing of the operating parameter value, and a line 210 with a value equal to the average minus 10% of the peak-to-peak signal swing of the operating parameter value. The upper graph is associated with a brand-new cutter. The lower graph is associated with a worn cutter. It can be seen that the amplitude (i.e., the peak-to-peak signal swing) between the values associated with cutting hair and those associated with the free-running motor is larger for a worn cutting element, hence the lines 208 and 210, which are ±10%, are further apart.
[0037] Therefore, it can be seen that the operating parameter values can be used to determine when the operating head needs to be replaced, because there is a difference between a worn cutter and a brand new cutter.
[0038] Specifically, by identifying the free-running values of the operating parameters associated with the free-running motor, the distribution of the operating parameter values can be monitored relative to the free-running values. In this way, the peak-to-peak signal amplitude is used as an identifier of the cutter's wear.
[0039] The free run value and peak-to-peak value are monitored in real time. The free run value is determined as the minimum value over a period of time (and therefore also the lower peak value), and the higher peak value is determined as the maximum value over a period of time.
[0040] An embodiment provides a computer-implemented method for determining when an operating head of a personal care device needs to be replaced, addressing this need. The method includes monitoring operating parameters sensed by sensors of the personal care device, the operating parameters being associated with operating the operating head; determining values based on the operating parameters over time; determining, based on the values, the energy used to operate the operating head over time; determining, based on changes in energy over time, that the operating head needs to be replaced; and, in response to determining that the operating head needs to be replaced, sending a signal indicating that the operating head needs to be replaced.
[0041] refer to Figure 3 For each use, determining the value based on or according to the operating parameters over time includes: for each use, measuring the real-time value of the operating parameters using a sensor; and calculating the difference, for example, subtracting the real-time value 302 of the operating parameters from the free-running value 306 of the operating parameters. The result of the subtraction is the value 304 of the operating parameters.
[0042] Therefore, as described above, the operating parameters are analyzed relative to the free-running value.
[0043] When the free-run value of 306 is constant, this method is in Figure 3 As shown in the figure. This is an approximate method.
[0044] refer to Figure 4 A more precise method is provided, wherein subtracting the real-time value of the operating parameter from its free-running value includes: monitoring the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter 402; and subtracting the real-time value of the operating parameter over time 404 from the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter. The result of the subtraction is the real-time value 406. Figure 4 Related methods compared with Figure 3 The associated method is more accurate because the free-running values are real-time, meaning they are continuously updated rather than assumed to be constant.
[0045] The real-time free-running value 402 can be obtained in various ways. For example, the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter can be determined by using a low-pass filter on the real-time value 404 of the operating parameter to discard values above a threshold. For example, the threshold can be set to a known free-running value of the motor. Another method is to calculate the minimum movement value from the real-time value of the operating parameter. The minimum movement value uses a time window that moves over time. The minimum value of the real-time value 404 within the window is obtained and used as the real-time free-running value 402. Another method is to calculate the nth percentile value of the movement from the real-time value of the operating parameter. For example, the nth percentile could be the 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd percentile, although other percentiles can also be used.
[0046] refer to Figure 5Determining whether the operating head needs to be replaced based on changes in energy over time includes: calculating the cumulative energy over time using the determined energy; comparing the cumulative energy with an energy threshold; and determining whether the operating head needs to be replaced based on the comparison.
[0047] Determining the energy used to operate the manipulator head over time based on this value includes integrating the power value over time. This is considered to be... Figure 4 Integrate the area under the curve for the value 406. This can be done numerically rather than analytically. This is achieved by adding the energy value of each shave to the total accumulated energy of all shaves since the current cutter was attached to the personal care appliance. E cutting_cumulative Calculate the accumulated energy. Energy threshold or energy replacement threshold. E replace It can be pre-ordered.
[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the energy replacement threshold has been reached. E replace The time or number of shaves required is less for a thick beard than for a sparse beard. A thick beard is defined as a beard with high density and / or coarse hair. A sparse beard is a beard with sparse and / or fine hair. It should be understood that when accumulating energy... E cutting_cumulative Greater than or equal to the energy threshold E replace hour.
[0049] Finally, when it is determined that the operating head needs to be replaced, a signal indicating that the operating head needs to be replaced is sensed: including a signal to the display 116 ( Figure 1 It sends signals to display a notification to the user for changing the operating head. Figure 1 The display in this context is a display that is installed on a personal care device, but it can also be a display for a remote device.
[0050] refer to Figure 6 This paper summarizes a computer-implemented method for determining when the operating head of a personal care device needs to be replaced, comprising the following steps: monitoring 700 operating parameters sensed by sensors of the personal care device, the operating parameters being associated with operating the operating head; determining 702 a value based on the operating parameters over time; determining 704 the energy used to operate the operating head over time based on the value; determining 706 that the operating head needs to be replaced based on the change in energy over time; and in response to determining that the operating head needs to be replaced, sending 708 a signal indicating that the operating head needs to be replaced.
[0051] Although the invention has been described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
[0052] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in dissimilar dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for determining when a motor-driven hair cutter (106) of a hair cutting device (100) needs to be replaced, the computer-implemented method comprising: Monitoring (700) the operating parameters sensed by the sensor (114) of the hair cutting device, the operating parameters being associated with operating the hair cutter; The value of (702) is determined based on the operating parameters over time; Based on the value, determine (704) the energy used to operate the hair cutter over time; The hair cutter needs to be replaced based on the change in energy over time (706) in the following manner: The cumulative energy over time is calculated using the determined energy. The accumulated energy is compared with an energy threshold. as well as Based on the comparison, it was determined that the hair cutter needed to be replaced. as well as In response to determining that the hair cutter needs to be replaced, a signal indicating that the hair cutter needs to be replaced is sent (708).
2. The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein determining the value (406) based on the operating parameters over time comprises: The sensor is used to measure the real-time value of the operating parameter (404). The free-running value of the operating parameter associated with the free-running motor is identified; as well as The difference between the free-running value (402) of the operating parameter and the real-time value of the operating parameter is obtained.
3. The computer-implemented method according to claim 2, wherein obtaining the difference comprises: Monitor the real-time free-running values of the aforementioned operating parameters; as well as The difference between the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter and the real-time value of the operating parameter is obtained.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein monitoring the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter comprises determining the real-time free-running value of the operating parameter by: A low-pass filter is used on the real-time values of the operating parameters to discard values higher than a threshold; Calculate the minimum movement value from the real-time value of the operating parameters; or The nth percentile value of the shift is calculated from the real-time value of the operating parameters.
5. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining that the hair cutter needs to be replaced based on the comparison comprises: When the accumulated energy is greater than or equal to the energy threshold, it is determined that the hair cutter needs to be replaced.
6. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating parameter is the power of the motor of the hair cutter driven by the motor.
7. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the energy used to operate the hair cutter over time based on the values of the operating parameters comprises: Integrate the determined value over time.
8. The computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair cutting device is a razor and the hair cutter is a trimmer.
9. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein sending a signal indicating that the hair cutter will be replaced in response to determining that the hair cutter needs to be replaced comprises: A signal is sent to the display device (116) to display a notification to the user for replacing the hair cutter.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein the display device is a remote device or a display device installed on the hair cutting device.
11. A hair cutting device (100), comprising: Handle (102); Sensor (114), which is connected to the handle; An attachment (104) for attaching the hair cutter to the handle; Motor (112), the motor being used to drive the hair cutter; as well as A controller (110) having a processor and a memory, wherein the memory has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. A transient or non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the controller of the hair cutting apparatus according to claim 11, cause the one or more processors to perform a computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.