Hair styling appliance

Abstract

A hair styling appliance is described. The hair styling appliance comprises first and second arms that are coupled together to reciprocate towards and away from one another. The first and second arms are arranged to receive hair within a region between them. The hair styling device comprises a sensor arrangement configured to sense a structural load when the first and second arms are brought together to hold hair therebetween, the structural load being indicative of a tensile load applied by the first and second arms on the hair held between the first and second arms. In examples, the hair styling device can comprise an actuator responsive to the sensor arrangement to urge the first and second arms away from one another in the event that the sensed structural load exceeds a threshold. In other examples, the hair styling device can comprise a notification module to output a user notification in response to the sensed structural load exceeding a threshold.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Hair styling tools are designed to use heat, mechanical devices and / or airflow to shape hair into a desired shape or style.

[0002] A hair straightener utilizes heating plates attached to a pivot arm, which the user can hold in a closed configuration, with hair strands sandwiched between the heating plates. Once the hair is heated above the transition temperature, the hair strands can be styled into a different shape. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, a hair styling appliance is provided, comprising: a first arm and a second arm joined together to reciprocate toward and away from each other, the first arm and the second arm arranged to receive hair in a region between the first arm and the second arm; a sensor device configured to sense a structural load when the first arm and the second arm are joined together to hold hair between them, the structural load indicating a tensile load applied by the first arm and the second arm to the hair held between the first arm and the second arm; and an actuator responsive to the sensor device, wherein the actuator is configured to push the first arm and the second arm away from each other if the sensed structural load exceeds a threshold.

[0004] In response to the sensor device sensing a structural load indicating excessive tensile load or strain, the actuator causes the arm of the styling tool to separate. This limits or reduces the gripping action of the hair styling tool on the hair, thereby limiting or reducing the tensile load on the hair. In this way, the hair styling tool can improve user comfort and reduce the risk of hair damage or user injury.

[0005] The threshold can be no less than 2 N and / or no more than 5 N. Optionally, the threshold can be approximately 3 N. This allows sufficient tension to be applied to the hair to achieve a good styling effect while avoiding excessive tension, which could otherwise lead to discomfort or hair damage.

[0006] The structural load can be a compressive load. More specifically, the sensor device can be configured to sense the compressive load applied by the first arm and the second arm in a plane parallel to the reciprocating motion of the first arm and the second arm.

[0007] By configuring the sensor device to sense the compressive load applied by the first arm and the second arm, the sensor device is configured to sense the load indicating the tensile load applied to the hair when the hair is treated with hair styling tools.

[0008] The sensor device can be configured to sense a tensile load applied by the first and second arms in a plane perpendicular to the reciprocating motion of the first and second arms. In particular, the sensor device can be configured to directly sense the tensile load, rather than, for example, sensing a compressive load that indicates the tensile load.

[0009] The sensor device may include multiple sensors. Each sensor may be configured to sense structural loads indicating tensile loads applied by the first arm and the second arm.

[0010] By using multiple sensors, the sensor coverage and sensing accuracy of a sensor device can be improved. For example, it may be desirable to use multiple sensors to sense specific load distributions, such as uneven tensile loads, that might be difficult to sense with a single sensor.

[0011] Multiple sensors may include a first sensor on a first arm and a second sensor on a second arm. The first and second sensors may be arranged so that they are opposite each other when the first and second arms move toward each other.

[0012] Sensing accuracy can be improved by arranging the first and second sensors in a relatively balanced manner.

[0013] Multiple sensors may include a third sensor and a fourth sensor on the first arm. The third sensor and the fourth sensor may be spaced apart along the first arm.

[0014] Sensor coverage can be improved by spacing multiple sensors along at least one arm. This arrangement is particularly suitable for sensing uneven load distributions.

[0015] The hair styling device can be configured to output a user notification if the sensed structural load approaches a threshold. The user notification may include at least one of visual, auditory, or tactile notifications.

[0016] By notifying the user when they are approaching or exceeding a threshold, hair styling tools can prompt the user to release the compressive load applied by the user's compression of the tool's arms, thus reducing the tensile load on the hair. Furthermore, this can improve the user's operation of the hair styling tool, as the user is guided to avoid unintentional misuse.

[0017] The hair styling tool can be operated in over-control mode, in which the actuator is prevented from pushing the first and second arms apart.

[0018] By providing a controllable mode, users can temporarily apply high compressive or tensile loads. In some cases, it may be necessary to apply high compressive or tensile loads exceeding a threshold, for example, to achieve a specific result. Thus, hair styling appliances can be selectively operated in controllable mode.

[0019] The threshold can be adjustable. An adjustable threshold can be desired to suit hair type, desired hairstyle, or hair condition.

[0020] Hair styling appliances can be configured to directly receive user input for adjusting thresholds, such as using a user interface like physical or virtual buttons, or the hair styling appliance can be configured to receive commands to adjust thresholds from an external device. For example, the hair styling appliance can be configured to communicate with an external user device and can be configured to receive commands from the external user device instructing the hair styling appliance to adjust thresholds.

[0021] Hair styling appliances can be configured to receive commands from an external user device, instructing the hair styling appliance to set threshold values ​​based on a user profile. The user profile may include information related to at least one of hair type, hair condition, and desired hairstyle.

[0022] Using user information provided to external user devices, thresholds can be adjusted particularly conveniently by taking into account hair type, desired hairstyle, or hair condition.

[0023] The sensor device can be configured to output a sensor signal indicating the sensed load. The hair styling tool can be configured to send the sensor signal to an external user device.

[0024] External devices can forward sensor signals to, for example, an external server, or they can process sensor signals locally and display them to the user.

[0025] The hair styling device can be configured to send a command to an external user device to instruct the external user device to output a user notification if the sensed structural load approaches a threshold. The hair styling device can also be configured to send the command specifically to output a user notification via the external user device; for example, the hair styling device may not output a user notification at all.

[0026] By notifying the user when they are approaching or exceeding a threshold, hair styling tools can prompt the user to release the compressive load applied by the user's compression of the tool's arms, thus reducing the tensile load on the hair. Furthermore, this can improve the user's operation of the hair styling tool, as the user is guided to avoid unintentional misuse.

[0027] According to a second aspect, a hair styling system is provided, comprising a hair styling appliance according to the first aspect and an external user device, wherein the hair styling appliance is configured to transmit a sensor signal indicating a sensed structural load to the external user device, or to transmit a command to the external user device when the sensed structural load approaches a threshold.

[0028] External user devices can be configured to send commands to hair styling appliances instructing them to adjust thresholds.

[0029] According to a third aspect, a hair styling appliance is provided, comprising: a first arm and a second arm connected together to reciprocate toward and away from each other, the first arm and the second arm being arranged to receive hair in a region between the first arm and the second arm; a sensor device for sensing a structural load, the structural load indicating a tensile load applied by the first arm and the second arm; and a notification module configured to output a user notification in response to the sensed structural load exceeding a threshold; wherein the user notification includes at least one of a visual notification, an auditory notification, or a tactile notification.

[0030] By notifying the user when they are approaching or exceeding a threshold, hair styling tools can prompt the user to release the compressive load applied by the user's compression of the tool's arms, thus reducing the tensile load on the hair. Furthermore, this can improve the user's operation of the hair styling tool, as the user is guided to avoid unintentional misuse.

[0031] The features described in the first aspect of the description of hair styling tools also apply to the hair styling tools described in the third aspect.

[0032] External user devices can be configured to output additional user notifications based on sensor signals or commands if the sensed structural load approaches a threshold.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect, a hair styling system is provided, which includes a hair styling appliance according to a third aspect, and further includes an external user device configured to output user notifications. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hair styling tool in its open configuration.

[0035] Figure 2 It is in a closed configuration. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair styling tool.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the arm of a hair styling tool, showing a first example of a sensor in a first configuration.

[0037] Figure 4 This is another schematic cross-sectional view showing a first example of a sensor in a second configuration.

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the arm of a hair styling tool, showing a second example of a sensor in a first configuration.

[0039] Figure 6 This is another schematic cross-sectional view showing a second example of a sensor in a second configuration.

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the arm of a hair styling tool, showing a third example of a sensor.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another hair styling tool in a closed configuration.

[0042] Figure 9 It is in a closed configuration. Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair styling tool, in which the arm is pushed open.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another hair styling tool in its open configuration.

[0044] Figure 11 It is in a closed configuration. Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a hair styling tool, in which the arm is pushed open.

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A schematic plan view of the second arm of a hair styling tool.

[0046] Figure 13 It includes according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hair styling system using hair styling tools. Detailed Implementation

[0047] When hair is styled with hair styling tools such as hair straighteners, stress is introduced into the user's hair. Hair damage can occur when excessive force is applied during straightening. For example, the hair may become more difficult to control, may be pulled out of the scalp, or may experience excessive surface heat load. The hair styling tools described herein can improve user comfort, reduce the risk of hair damage, and / or reduce the risk of injury to the user.

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hair styling tool 10. Figure 1 The hair styling tool 10 is shown in the open configuration, while Figure 2 A hair styling tool 10 in a closed configuration is shown.

[0049] The hair styling tool 10 includes a first arm 12 and a second arm 14, which are connected together to reciprocate toward and away from each other. The reciprocating motion occurs with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The planes of the sectional views coincide. In the example shown, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 engage at the pivot joint 16, and the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 can pivot about the pivot joint 16 to achieve reciprocating motion.

[0050] The first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are biased toward the open configuration by springs (not shown) and can be manually moved into the closed configuration by the user against the spring bias.

[0051] Each arm 12, 14 terminates at a tip region 17. In this example, the tip region 17 is distal to the pivot joint 16. In some examples, the end region 17 may be distal to, for example, an extension handle section (not shown) of a hair styling tool 10.

[0052] Each arm 12, 14 includes a leading edge 18 and a trailing edge 19 (see example) Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0053] The first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are arranged to receive hair within a region in the form of a drying chamber 20. The drying chamber 20 is the space between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14, in which hair strands 22 are captured when the hair styling tool 10 is used. The leading edge 18 and the trailing edge 19 define the drying chamber 20 in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the arms 12 and 13 reciprocate.

[0054] In use, when the hair styling tool 10 is in the open position, the user places the hair strand 22 into the drying chamber 20 between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14. Normally, the hair styling tool 10 is positioned close to the user's scalp, but other positions can be chosen depending on the desired styling effect. The user then squeezes the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 together toward the closed configuration, thereby clamping the hair strand 22 within the drying chamber 20. When the user pulls the hair styling tool 10 away from the scalp, as the hair passes through the front edge 18 into the drying chamber 20 and through the rear edge 19 out of the drying chamber 20, the heat generated by the hair styling tool 10 dries the hair strand 22 within the drying chamber 20, thereby straightening and smoothing the hair strand 22.

[0055] Processing the hair bundle by pulling it through the drying chamber 20 results in a tensile load on the hair bundle 22. Conveniently, the hair styling appliance 10 is configured to help the user avoid excessive tensile load by taking action to reduce the tensile load, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 , 2 As described in points 8, 9, 10, and 11; or by warning the user so that the user can take action, as referenced. Figure 12 As described above. In some examples, the hair styling tool 10 can both warn the user and take action to reduce the tensile load.

[0056] Suitable, the hair styling appliance 10 includes a sensor device 30 to sense structural loads indicating tensile loads applied to the hair bundle 22 by the hair styling appliance 10. The sensor device 30 can directly sense tensile loads, as shown in reference... Figures 3 to 6 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As described. Additionally or alternatively, sensor device 30 can sense relevant parameters, such as compressive load, based on which tensile load can be estimated; as referenced Figure 7 As described.

[0057] In this example, the sensor device 30, including a first sensor 32 and a second sensor 34, is configured to sense structural loads indicating tensile loads applied to the hair bundle 22 by the hair styling tool 10. Conveniently, the sensor device is exposed in the drying chamber 20 and contacts the hair bundle 22 during use, for example, as... Figure 2 The first sensor 32 and the second sensor 34 are shown in the figure.

[0058] A first sensor 32 is disposed on a first arm 12, and a second sensor 34 is disposed on a second arm 14. More specifically, the first sensor 32 and the second sensor 34 are arranged along arms 12 and 14 such that when arms 12 and 14 move toward each other, the first sensor 32 and the second sensor 34 are opposite each other.

[0059] The hair styling appliance 10 includes an actuator 40. The actuator 40 is responsive to a sensor device 30 and configured to push a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 away from each other if the sensed or estimated tensile load exceeds a threshold. The threshold may be no less than 2 Newtons and / or no more than 5 Newtons. A threshold less than 2 Newtons may be insufficient to achieve the desired styling result, while a threshold exceeding 5 Newtons may cause discomfort and / or potentially damage the hair. A threshold of approximately 3 Newtons provides a good balance between these factors for most hair types.

[0060] It should be noted that pushing arms 12 and 14 apart by actuator 40 does not require increasing the separation between arms 12 and 14. For example, the compressive force applied by the user to arms 12 and 14 and the force that causes arms 12 and 14 to separate can actually cancel each other out, so that the separation of arms 12 and 14 remains essentially unchanged. In this way, hair styling appliance 10 will resist further compression by actuator 40 that forces arms 12 and 14 apart.

[0061] By pushing the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 apart, the grip of the hair styling tool 10 on the hair strand 22 is restricted or reduced during use, and thus the applied tensile load is also restricted or reduced. This reduces the risk of damaging the hair or injuring the user and increases the user's comfort.

[0062] In this example, actuator 40 is a motor, such as a brushless DC motor or a universal joint motor, located in pivot joint 16, and configured to actuate pivot joint 16 in response to a structural load sensed by sensor device 30 exceeding a threshold, thereby causing the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 to separate. More generally, any actuator can be used, such as a stepper-driven lead screw, and reference... Figures 8 to 12 Describe further examples.

[0063] The hair styling appliance 10 includes a controller 50 configured to receive sensor signals from a sensor device 30. The sensor signals represent sensed structural loads and, in some examples, correspond to the outputs of sensors 32 and 34. The controller 50 is configured to compare the sensed structural loads with a threshold and, if the threshold is exceeded, control the actuator 40 to cause the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 to separate.

[0064] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view passing through the two arms 12, 13 of the hair styling tool 10, wherein the cross-section corresponds to a plane perpendicular to the plane of the reciprocating motion of the arms 12, 13, and an example sensor of the sensor device 30 is shown. More specifically, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first example is shown, while Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second example is shown.

[0065] according to Figures 3 to 6 Each sensor 32, 34 includes a contact member 35 and a biasing member 36. The contact member 35 is arranged to contact the hair bundle 22 and, when the hair styling tool 10 applies a tensile load to the hair bundle 22 during use, shifts from a rest position toward the rear edge 19 to a biased position. The rest position is... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the deflection position is at Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, the biasing member 36 is configured to apply a restoring force to the contact member 35 when displaced from its rest position, thereby pushing the contact member 35 back to its rest position. Specifically, the biasing member 36 is configured to push the contact member 35 toward the leading edge 18 when the contact member 35 has already been displaced toward the trailing edge 19. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this configuration, the biasing member 36 is set as a torsion spring. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this configuration, the biasing member 36 is configured as a compression spring.

[0066] The displacement of contact member 36 is related to the tensile load on hair bundle 22. Thus, the tensile load can be calculated or estimated, for example, by controller 40 based on the displacement of contact member 35, in order to control actuator 40, or the displacement of contact member 35 can be used to mechanically control the actuator (as per reference). Figures 10 to 12 (as described).

[0067] Figure 7 A third example sensor of sensor device 30 is shown. According to... Figure 7 The first sensor 32 and the second sensor 34 are configured to sense the compressive load applied to the hair bundle 22 by the arms 12, 14 during use. The compressive load lies in a plane perpendicular to the hair bundle 22 extending through the drying chamber 20. Suitably, the sensors 32, 34 include a compressive load sensor 37, such as a piezoelectric sensor, configured to sense the compressive load applied by the user when the arms 12, 14 are pushed together and the hair bundle 22 is grasped. The compressive load thus applied to the hair bundle 22 by the hair styling appliance 10 can be used to calculate or approximate the tensile load on the hair bundle 22.

[0068] according to Figure 7 Each sensor 32, 34 includes a contact member 35 and a force-sensitive element 37. In some examples, the compressive load sensor 37 is exposed to the hair bundle 22.

[0069] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hair styling tool 10, showing another exemplary actuator 42. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Both show a hair styling tool 10 in a closed configuration, with hair strands 22 held between the arms 12, 14 of the hair styling tool 10. Figure 9 In the middle, actuator 42 pushes arms 12 and 14 apart to reduce the tensile load on hair bundle 22.

[0070] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The actuator 42 is configured as a piston on the second arm 14. The piston can extend from the second arm 14 to engage the first arm 12, thereby causing arms 12 and 14 to separate. Figure 8 It is shown as being in a retracted structure, and in Figure 9 The diagram shows an extended structure.

[0071] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9The image shows a notification module 60 of a hair styling appliance 10. The notification module 60 is configured to output a user notification to the user. The controller 50 is configured to control the notification module 60 to output a user notification if a sensed structural load approaches or exceeds a threshold. The notification module 60 can be configured to output visual, auditory, or tactile notifications, such as vibration. In this example, the notification module 60 is provided as a speaker configured to output an audible notification to the user to warn the user of approaching or exceeding a threshold.

[0072] exist Figure 8 and 9 In this hair styling tool 10, multiple sensors 34 are arranged along the second arm 14. The sensors 34 on the second arm 14 are spaced apart along the second arm 14, thereby extending the sensor coverage area along the second arm 14. That is, the distance to the tip region 17 is larger for one of the sensors 34 and smaller for another. More generally, each arm 12, 14 can be provided with any number of sensors.

[0073] The hair styling appliance 10 can operate in a controlled mode, in which actuator 42 is prevented from pushing the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 apart. By providing the controlled mode, the user can temporarily apply a high compressive load or a high tensile load. In some cases, a high compressive load or a high tensile load exceeding a threshold may be required, for example, to achieve a specific result. Thus, the controlled mode is user-selectable, for example, by keeping the button on the hair styling appliance 10 pressed, to operate the hair styling appliance 10 without pushing the arms 12, 14 apart.

[0074] Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 A hair styling appliance 10 is shown with another exemplary sensor and another exemplary actuator, the other exemplary sensor including a rotatable contact member 38, and the other exemplary actuator being configured as an actuator cam 44. Figure 10 and 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hair styling tool 10, and Figure 12 This is a plan view of a portion of the second arm 14. According to... Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The rotatable contact member 38 and the actuator cam 44 are configured as an integrated mechanical system to sense structural loads and cause the arms 12, 14 to separate.

[0075] The rotatable contact member 38 can be configured as, for example, a rotatable (e.g., tiltable or pivotable) plate, or as a rotatable pin. The rotatable contact member 38 extends along the second arm 14. In some embodiments, the rotatable contact member 38 extends through the entire second arm 14, i.e., from the connector 16 to the end region 17. In this example, the rotatable contact member 38 extends along a portion of the second arm 14.

[0076] The rotatable contact member 38 and the actuator cam 44 are rotatable together about a common axis of rotation 45 between a first configuration in which the actuator cam 44 is retracted and a second configuration in which the actuator cam 44 extends toward the first arm 12. The rotatable contact member 38 and the actuator cam 44 are biased toward the first configuration in which the actuator cam 44 is retracted, for example by a suitable biasing member, such as a torsion spring (not shown).

[0077] In use, the rotatable contact member 38 engages the hair bundle 22, and when processing the hair bundle 22, the rotatable contact member 38 rotates in response to a tensile load applied to the hair bundle 22. The rotation of the rotatable contact member 38 causes the actuator cam 44 to rotate as well, thereby causing the actuator cam 44 to rotate and extend. This causes the actuator cam 44 to engage and lift the first arm 12, i.e., to cause the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 to separate.

[0078] Thus, the hair styling appliance 10, utilizing the rotatable contact member 38 and the actuator cam 44, provides a mechanical system for sensing structural loads representing tensile loads on the hair strands 22 and for causing the arms 12, 14 to separate to reduce the tensile load. Alternatively, the actuator cam 44 can be rotated using a suitable motor in response to sensor signals from electronic sensors, such as piezoelectric or resistive elements. Similarly, the rotatable contact member 38 can be used with the controller 50, for example by appropriately measuring the rotation or deflection / tilt of the rotatable contact member 38, such as deflection in an electric field or sliding contact with resistive rails, to provide a variable resistance depending on the deflection or rotation.

[0079] Figure 13 A hair styling system 100 is shown, comprising a hair styling appliance 10 and an external user device 90. The user device 90 can be any user device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, for communicating with the hair styling appliance 10 and the user. The hair styling appliance 10 is configured to communicate with the user device, for example, via a wired or wireless connection, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Suitably, the hair styling appliance 10 includes a communication module 70 for communicating with the user device 90.

[0080] User device 90 is configured to output a user notification in response to a sensed structural load approaching a threshold. Thus, hair styling appliance 10 communicates with user device 90 using communication module 70. In some examples, hair styling appliance 10 transmits the sensed structural load to user device 90. In some examples, hair styling appliance 10 sends an alarm to user device 90 when the threshold is exceeded.

[0081] User notifications can be visual, auditory, or both. For example, a message can be displayed by user device 90, and user device 90 can also output an sound to warn the user. In some examples, the user is notified that a threshold has been exceeded. In some examples, the user is instructed to reduce the compressive force applied by the user.

[0082] The threshold can be adjusted using the user device 90. In some examples, the threshold may be adjusted additionally or alternatively directly at the hair styling appliance 10, for example, by moving a dial on the hair styling appliance 10 or using any other suitable input device. In this example, the hair styling appliance 10 is configured to receive a command from the user device 90 instructing the hair styling appliance 10 to adjust the threshold.

[0083] The threshold can be adjusted within a suitable range. In some examples, the threshold can be adjusted within the range of 2 Newtons to 5 Newtons.

[0084] In some examples, the command instructing the adjustment of the threshold is based on a user profile stored by the user device 90 or an external server (not shown). The user profile may include information relating to at least one of the following: the user's hair type (e.g., based on specifying straight, wavy, curly, and main curly types 1 to 4, respectively), hair condition (e.g., whether the hair is dyed; whether the hair is wet), and desired hairstyle. In this way, the threshold can be automatically adjusted based on the user profile without the user specifying a particular adjustment.

[0085] In some examples, commands instructing the adjustment of the threshold are issued by having the user directly specify the adjustment.

[0086] The threshold can be adjusted particularly conveniently by taking into account hair type, desired hairstyle, or hair condition using the user information provided to the user's device.

Claims

1. A hair styling tool, comprising: The first and second arms are connected together to move back and forth toward and away from each other, and the first and second arms are arranged to receive hair in the area between the first and second arms. A sensor device configured to sense a structural load when the first arm and the second arm come together to hold hair between them, the structural load indicating a tensile load applied by the first arm and the second arm to the hair held between the first arm and the second arm; and An actuator that responds to the sensor device, wherein the actuator is configured to push the first arm and the second arm away from each other if the sensed structural load exceeds a threshold.

2. The hair styling tool according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device is configured to sense a compressive load applied by the first arm and the second arm in a plane parallel to the reciprocating motion of the first arm and the second arm.

3. The hair styling tool according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor device is configured to sense tensile loads applied by the first arm and the second arm in a plane perpendicular to the reciprocating motion of the first arm and the second arm.

4. The hair styling appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor device includes a plurality of sensors, each configured to sense structural loads, the structural loads indicating tensile loads applied by the first arm and the second arm.

5. The hair styling tool according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of sensors include a first sensor on the first arm and a second sensor on the second arm, and the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the first arm and the second arm such that they are opposite each other when the first arm and the second arm move toward each other.

6. The hair styling appliance according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The plurality of sensors include a third sensor and a fourth sensor on the first arm, and the third sensor and the fourth sensor are spaced apart along the first arm.

7. The hair styling appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hair styling device is configured to output a user notification if the sensed structural load approaches the threshold, wherein, optionally, the user notification includes at least one of a visual notification, an auditory notification, or a tactile notification.

8. The hair styling appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hair styling tool is operable in a super control mode, in which the actuator is prevented from pushing the first arm and the second arm apart.

9. The hair styling appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The threshold is adjustable.

10. The hair styling appliance according to claim 9, wherein, The hair styling device is configured to communicate with an external user device and is configured to receive a command from the external user device instructing the hair styling device to adjust the threshold.

11. The hair styling appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The hair styling device is configured to receive a command from the external user device, the command instructing the hair styling device to set the value of the threshold based on a user profile, and the user profile includes information relating to at least one of the user's hair type, hair condition, and desired hairstyle.

12. The hair styling appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor device is configured to output a sensor signal indicating the sensed load; and the hair styling appliance is configured to transmit the sensor signal to an external user device.

13. The hair styling appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hair styling device is configured to send a command to an external user device to instruct the external user device to output a user notification if the sensed structural load approaches the threshold.

14. A hair styling tool, comprising: The first and second arms are connected together to move back and forth toward and away from each other, and the first and second arms are arranged to receive hair in the area between the first and second arms. A sensor device for sensing structural loads, the structural loads indicating tensile loads applied by the first arm and the second arm; and A notification module is configured to output a user notification in response to the sensed structural load exceeding a threshold, wherein the user notification includes at least one of a visual notification, an auditory notification, or a tactile notification.

15. A hair styling system comprising the hair styling appliance according to claim 14 and an external user device, wherein: The hair styling appliance is configured to: if the sensed structural load approaches the threshold, send a sensor signal or command indicating the sensed structural load to the external user device; and The external user device is configured to output additional user notifications based on sensor signals or commands if the sensed structural load approaches the threshold.

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