Haircare attachment and appliance

Abstract

A haircare attachment for determining the presence of hair using measurements of static pressure at an external surface A haircare attachment comprises a body 102 having an airflow inlet 104, an airflow outlet 108 and an airflow channel 110 connecting the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet. At least one pressure tapping is provided for providing a measure of a static pressure at an exterior surface of the body. The pressure tapping comprises an aperture 112, a passage 116 and a connector 114. The aperture 112 is provided at the exterior surface of the body and the passage 116 connects the aperture to the connector. The aperture may extend through a wall of the body to fluidly connect to the passage. The passage 116 is isolated from the airflow 10 channel and is preferably located between the interior and exterior surface of the body. The connector provides an interface for connecting to a pressure sensor. A plurality of individually isolated pressure tappings may be provided. A system comprising a pressure sensor is also disclosed. The presence or absence of hair on the body is detected using the static pressure measured by the pressure tapping.

Description

B ACKGROUND A haircare appliance may comprise an attachment for drying or styling hair. The attachment may be designed to achieve certain drying and / or styling results. Air may be discharged from the attachment at different speeds and / or directions and / or temperatures to achieve different drying and / or styling results. SUMMARY According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a haircare attachment comprising a body having an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet and an airflow channel fluidly connecting the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet; and at least one pressure tapping for providing a measure of a static pressure at an exterior surface of the body, the pressure tapping comprising an aperture, a passage and a connector, wherein: the aperture is provided at the exterior surface of the body; the passage fluidly connects the aperture to the connector; the passage is isolated from the airflow channel; and the connector provides an interface for connecting to a pressure sensor. In this way, the haircare attachment may enable a measurement of a static pressure at an exterior surface of the body (i.e., at the location of the aperture) to be made. Using such a measurement, it may be possible to detect a presence or an absence of hair on the exterior surface of the body at the location of the aperture. The ability to carry out such detection may be useful when designing or testing haircare attachments, for example to improve or optimise their dimensions and / or geometries, and / or to ensure proper functioning of the haircare attachment. Information about the presence or absence of hair detection may additionally, or alternatively be used during use of the attachment. For example, based on a presence or an absence of hair being detected, the airflow (e.g., speed, flow rate, direction and / or temperature of the airflow) through the attachment may be adjusted. It will be appreciated that the haircare attachment may be for use with and / or may be (e.g., reversibly) attachable to a main unit to form a haircare appliance, such as a hairdryer and / or hair styling device. In some examples, the main unit may comprise the pressure sensor. The connector may provide an interface for connecting to a pressure sensor of (e.g., within) a main unit. It will be appreciated that the aperture may extend (e.g., along an aperture axis) from the exterior surface to the passage, and / or that the passage may extend from the aperture to the connector such as to fluidly connect the aperture to the connector. The body may be shaped so as to define the aperture and / or the passage. The body may comprise an interior surface, which may oppose and / or may be concentric with the exterior surface. The body may have a body axis (which may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the body, and / or to a central axis of the body). The interior surface and the exterior surface may be concentric around the body axis. The exterior surface may face away from the body axis, and the interior surface may face towards the body axis. The body may comprise of a wall (e.g., a tubular wall or an elongate hollow wall) which includes the exterior surface and the interior surface. The interior surface may define the airflow channel The passage being isolated from the airflow channel may refer to the passage being separate and / or fluidly isolated from the airflow channel. For example, within the body the passage may be fluidly isolated from the airflow channel. That is, there may be no fluid connection between the passage and the airflow channel within the body. In this way, a measure of the static pressure at the exterior surface of the body may be enabled. The interior surface of the body may isolate and / or separate the passage from the airflow channel. In some examples, the passage may be located between (e.g., sandwiched between) the exterior surface of the body and the interior surface of the body. Thus, the passage may be located within the region between the two concentric surfaces of the exterior surface and the interior surface. For example, the passage may extend through (the solid portion of) the tubular or elongate hollow wall, whereas the airflow channel may be defined by the interior surface of the tubular or elongate hollow wall. In this way, the passage may be isolated from the airflow channel. In other examples, the passage may be located within the airflow channel. In some examples, the aperture may extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) through the wall of the body, for example relative to the exterior surface of the body and / or the body axis, to fluidly connect the exterior surface of the body to the passage. In this way, a more accurate measure of the static pressure at the exterior surface of the body may be enabled. In some examples, a diameter / diagonal of the aperture (e.g., the diameter / diagonal of the cross-section of the aperture taken transverse to the aperture axis) may be no more than 2mm, or no more than 1 mm, for example no more than 0.5 mm. In this way, the aperture may be inhibited from disturbing the airflow out of the outlets, and / or any interference of the aperture with the (e.g., hairstyling) operation of the haircare attachment may be reduced. Additionally, or alternatively, a more accurate measure of the static pressure at the exterior surface of the body may be enabled. In some examples, a diameter / diagonal of the aperture (e.g., the diameter / diagonal of the cross-section of the aperture taken transverse to the aperture axis) may be at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.5 mm. In this way, manufacture of the hair styling attachment may be facilitated. The pressure tapping may be manufactured by 3D printing, for example. In some examples, a diameter / diagonal of the passage (e.g., the diameter / diagonal of the cross-section of the passage taken transverse to the body axis) may be no more than 3 mm, for example no more than 2 mm. In this way, the space occupied by the pressure tapping may be reduced. In some examples, a diameter / diagonal of the passage (e.g., the diameter / diagonal of the cross-section of the passage taken transverse to the body axis) may be at least 1 mm, for example at least 2 mm. In this way, manufacture of the hair styling attachment may be facilitated. The pressure tapping may be manufactured by 3D printing, for example. In some examples, the passage (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the passage) may be parallel to the body axis. In some examples, the connector, which may form part of the body, may comprise a tube extending (e.g., outwards) from the exterior surface of the body (e.g., transversely / perpendicularly to the exterior surface and / or the body axis) for interfacing with the pressure sensor. In this way, the coupling of the pressure tapping to the pressure sensor may be facilitated. It will be appreciated that the connector may be for fluidly connecting the aperture to a pressure sensor connected to the connector. In some examples, the connector may be for direct coupling to the pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure sensor may slot over the tube of the connector). In other examples, the connector may be for coupling to the pressure sensor via a tube, for example. The pressure sensor may be for measuring a static pressure and / or a static pressure difference (e.g., a difference between a static pressure on the exterior surface at the location of the aperture and a reference static pressure such as atmospheric pressure). For example, the static pressure sensor may comprise a differential manometer type pressure measurement device. Thus, the measure of static pressure may correspond to a measure of static pressure difference (e.g., relative to atmospheric pressure). Static pressure difference may refer to a differential static pressure. In some examples, when there is no net airflow along the airflow channel, the measure of static pressure made by a pressure sensor connected to the connector may indicate that the pressure on the exterior surface of the body at the location of the aperture is equivalent to the atmospheric pressure. For example, the measure of static pressure difference (relative to atmospheric pressure) may be 0 kPa when there is no net airflow along the airflow channel. In some examples, when there is airflow along the airflow channel from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet, the measure of static pressure may indicate that the pressure on the exterior surface of the body at the location of the aperture is lower than atmospheric pressure. For example, the measure of static pressure difference (relative to atmospheric pressure) may be less than 0 kPa. In some examples, when there is airflow along the airflow channel from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet, and hair is present over the aperture (of the pressure tapping with the connector to which the pressure sensor is connected), the measure of static pressure may indicate that the pressure on the exterior surface of the body at the location of the aperture is higher than that which would be measured if hair were absent over the aperture in otherwise equivalent conditions. For example, the measure of static pressure difference (relative to atmospheric pressure) may be less than 0 kPa, but closer to 0 kPa compared to if hair were absent over the aperture. Thus, when there is net airflow along the airflow channel from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet, a magnitude of a measure of static pressure may be smaller if hair is present over the aperture compared to if hair is absent over the aperture. In this way, the measure of static pressure may enable a detection of the presence / absence of hair at the location of the aperture. In some examples, the haircare attachment may comprise a plurality of pressure tappings. Each pressure tapping may comprise a respective aperture, passage and connector. It will be appreciated that any feature described with reference to a pressure tapping (for example, with reference to an aperture, passage, or connector) may be applicable also to examples where a plurality of pressure tappings is provided and may be applicable to some or all of the pressure tappings. Each aperture may be located at a different position at the exterior surface of the body, and / or each connector may provide a respective interface for connecting to a respective pressure sensor. It will further be appreciated that each pressure tapping may be isolated from the other pressure tappings. The pressure tappings being isolated from one another may refer to the pressures tappings (and / or their respective passages) being separate and / or fluidly isolated from one another. For example, within the body the pressure tappings (and / or their respective passages) may be fluidly isolated from one another. That is, there may be no fluid connection between the pressure tappings (and / or their respective passages) within the body. In this way, the haircare attachment may enable measures of static pressure to be made at a plurality of locations on the exterior surface of the body (i.e„ at the locations of the apertures). Thus, it may be possible to detect a presence or absence of hair at a plurality of locations on the exterior surface of the body, and / or to determine (e.g., an indication of) a distribution of hair on the exterior surface of the body. The ability to carry out such a determination may be useful when designing or testing haircare attachments, for example to improve or optimise their dimensions and / or geometries, and / or to ensure proper functioning of the haircare attachment. A determination / indication of the distribution of hair may additionally, or alternatively be used during use of the attachment. For example, based on the distribution / indication of hair, the airflow (e.g., speed, direction and / or temperature of the airflow) through the attachment may be adjusted. In some examples, the apertures may be (e.g., circumferentially) distributed around the exterior surface of the body and / or around the body axis. In some examples, the apertures may be (e.g., longitudinally) distributed along the length of the exterior surface of the body and / or along the body axis. The apertures may be at different positions around and / or along a length of the body or the body axis. In this way, the haircare attachment may enable measures of static pressure to be made at different locations around and / or along the body, and it may be possible to determine (e.g., an indication of) a distribution of hair around and / or along the exterior surface of the body. In some examples, one or more of the connectors may be located at an end (e.g., a longitudinal end) of the body. In this way, the ease of connecting of the connector to a respective pressure sensor may be improved, for example when the pressure sensor forms part of the main unit. Additionally, or alternatively, any interference of the pressure tapping and / or pressure sensor with the (e.g., hair styling) operation of the haircare attachment may be reduced. In some examples, one or more of the connectors may be located at a first end (e.g., an upper longitudinal end) of the body, and one or more of the connectors may be located at a second end (e.g., a lower longitudinal end) of the body. The plurality of pressure tappings may comprise a first subset of pressure tappings, each including a respective connector located at the first end of the body, and / or a second subset of pressure tappings, each including a respective connector located at the second end of the body. In this way, it may be possible for the haircare attachment to include more pressure tappings, and measures of static pressure may be made at more locations on the exterior surface of the body. Thus, it may be possible to determine a more detailed indication of the distribution of hair around and / or along the exterior surface of the body. In some examples, the plurality of pressure tappings may comprise at least 5 pressure tappings, for example at least 10 pressure tappings. In this way, and it may be possible to determine a more detailed indication of the distribution of hair around and / or along the exterior surface of the body. In some examples, the plurality of pressure tappings may comprise no more than 15 or 20 pressure tappings, for example no more than 10 pressure tappings. In this way, manufacture of the haircare attachment may be facilitated, and / or any interference of the pressure tappings with the (e.g., hair styling) operation of the haircare attachment may be reduced. In some examples, the body may be tubular (e.g., may comprise a tubular wall) and / or elongate and hollow. The body may comprise an open (e.g., longitudinal / lower) end, which may correspond to the airflow inlet of the body, and / or the body may comprise a closed (e.g., longitudinal / upper) end. A diagonal / diameter of the body (e.g., the diameter / diagonal of the cross-section of the body taken transverse to the body axis) may decrease along the length of the body (or along the body axis), for example from the open end to the closed end. The airflow outlet may comprise a slot, and / or may extend longitudinally along the length of the body and / or along the body axis. The airflow outlet (and / or a longitudinal axis of the airflow outlet) may be parallel to the body axis. In some examples, the airflow outlet may be shaped to direct air leaving the airflow channel in a direction tangential to the exterior surface of the body. In some examples, the airflow outlet may be shaped to direct air leaving the airflow channel in a clockwise / counterclockwise or circumferential direction around the body and / or the body axis. In this way, a measure of the static pressure at the exterior surface of the body may change when air flows out of the airflow outlet. Additionally, or alternatively, the airflow out of the airflow outlet may attach to the exterior surface of the body by the Coanda effect, and hair on the exterior surface may wrap around the body. In some examples, the body may comprise a plurality of subsections (for example, the tubular or longitudinal hollow wall may be formed of a plurality of sub-walls, corresponding to the plurality of subsections), which may be circumferentially distributed around the body axis. The airflow outlet may be defined between two adjacent subsections of the body. The subsections may be shaped and / or arranged such as to direct the air leaving the airflow channel in a direction tangential to the exterior surface of the body and / or in a clockwise / counterclockwise or circumferential direction around the body and / or the body axis. It will be appreciated that the exterior surfaces of the subsections may together form the exterior surface of the body, and / or the interior surfaces of the subsections may together form the interior surface of the body. The airflow channel may be defined by the plurality of subsections, for example may be formed between the plurality of subsections. The pressure tapping and / or the passage may be defined by a single subsection, for example the aperture and / or the pressure tapping may be formed within a given subsection. Different pressure tappings may be defined by different subsections. In some examples, the body may comprise a plurality of airflow outlets. It will be appreciated that any feature described with reference to an airflow outlet may be applicable also to examples where a plurality of airflow outlets is provided and may be applicable to some or all of the airflow outlets. The plurality of airflow outlets may be (e.g., circumferentially) distributed around the exterior surface of the body. Each airflow outlet may be defined by a respective pair of adjacent subsections. It will be appreciated that reference to a component having or comprising an inlet / outlet, an aperture, a channel, or a passage may correspond to the component defining the inlet / outlet, aperture, channel, or passage. As mentioned above, the haircare attachment may be for use with and / or (eg., reversibly) attachable to a main unit to form a haircare appliance, such as a hairdryer and / or hair styling device. As an example, the main unit may comprise a housing enclosing a blower (comprising e.g., a fan driven by an electric motor) and / or a heater for heating the airflow through the housing. The housing may define an inlet through which airflow may be drawn into the housing (e.g., by the blower) and an outlet through which the airflow may be discharged from the housing. The haircare attachment may be for coupling to the haircare device such that the inlet of the haircare attachment is fluidly connected to the outlet of the haircare device housing. According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a haircare appliance comprising: a body having an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet and an airflow channel fluidly connecting the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet; a pressure sensor; and at least one pressure tapping connected to the pressure sensor, the pressure tapping comprising an aperture, and a conduit, wherein: the aperture is provided at the exterior surface of the body; the conduit fluidly connects the aperture to the pressure sensor; the conduit is isolated from the airflow channel, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense, via the pressure tapping, static pressure at the exterior surface of the body. In this way, a measure of static pressure may be made at the exterior surface of the body (i.e., at the location of the aperture). Using such a measurement, it may be possible to detect a presence or an absence of hair on the exterior surface of the body at the location of the aperture. The ability to carry out such detection may be useful during use of the haircare appliance. For example, based on a presence or an absence of hair being detected, the airflow (e.g., speed, direction and / or temperature of the airflow) may be adjusted. It will be appreciated that the haircare appliance may correspond to a hairdryer and / or a hair styling device, for example. In some examples, the haircare appliance may include a main unit and the body. The main unit may comprise the pressure sensor. The conduit may include a first passage, which may be defined by and / or arranged within the body, fluidly connected to a second passage, which may be defined by and / or arranged within the main unit. Thus, the first passage may extend from the aperture to the second passage, and the second passage may extend from the first passage to the pressure sensor. In some examples, the body may be removably attachable / attached to the main unit. The haircare appliance may comprise a haircare attachment corresponding to or including the body. The haircare attachment may correspond to a haircare attachment according to the first aspect. For example, the first passage may correspond to the passage as defined with reference to the first aspect, and an interface between the first passage and the second passage may correspond to the connector as defined with reference to the first aspect. Thus, the haircare appliance may comprise a haircare attachment according to the first aspect and the main unit. In other examples, the body may be fixedly attached to the main unit. It will be appreciated that features described with reference to the first aspect (for the haircare attachment, the body, or the main unit, for example) may apply equally to the second aspect, unless clearly impermissible. Thus, for example, the haircare appliance may comprise a plurality of pressure tappings. According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a system comprising a haircare attachment according to the first aspect, and one or more pressure sensors, each pressure sensor arranged to be coupled to a respective pressure tapping of the haircare attachment via the connector of the pressure tapping. In this way, a measure of a static pressure at an exterior surface of the body (i.e., at the location of the aperture) may be made. Using such a measurement, it may be possible to detect a presence or an absence of hair on the exterior surface of the body at the location of the aperture. The ability to carry out such detection may be useful when designing or testing haircare attachments, for example to improve or optimise their dimensions and / or geometries, and / or to ensure proper functioning of the haircare attachment. Presence / absence of hair detection may additionally, or alternatively be used during use of the attachment. For example, based on a presence or an absence of hair being detected, the airflow (e.g., speed, direction and / or temperature of the airflow) through the attachment may be adjusted. The one or more pressure sensors may be part of a main unit, to which the haircare attachment may be reversibly attachable / attached or fixedly attached to form a haircare appliance, for example. In this way, an operation of the haircare appliance may be adjusted based on a presence or an absence of hair being detected, for example the airflow (e.g., speed, direction and / or temperature of the airflow) may be adjusted. In some examples, the system may comprise a hair detection module. For example, the main unit may comprise the hair detection module. The hair detection module may be configured to: receive, from each of the pressure sensors, a respective static pressure measurement; and detect, based on each received static pressure measurement, a presence or absence of hair covering the aperture of the pressure tapping to which the respective pressure sensor (from which the static pressure measurement has been received) is coupled. The hair detection module may be configured to detect the presence or absence of hair by: comparing the static pressure measurement to a threshold static pressure, and if a magnitude of the static pressure measurement is less than or equal to a magnitude of the threshold static pressure, outputting an indication that hair is present; and, if the magnitude of the static pressure measurement is greater than the magnitude of the threshold static pressure, outputting an indication that hair is absent. As discussed above, the static pressure measurement (or measure of static pressure) may correspond to a static pressure difference (e g., relative to atmospheric pressure). The threshold static pressure may also correspond to a static pressure difference. The hair detection module may be configured to only detect a presence or absence of hair when the haircare attachment is in use (e.g., when air flows through the airflow channel of the haircare attachment). The hair detection module may be configured to output the indication that hair is present only if the magnitude of the static pressure measurement indicates a static pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The threshold static pressure to which the static pressure measurement is compared may depend on a mode of operation of the haircare appliance. For example, the mode of operation may set a speed, flow rate, direction and / or temperature of the airflow flowing out of the airflow outlets). The hair detection module may be configured to select the threshold static pressure based on the mode of operation of the haircare appliance. Comparing the static pressure measurement to the threshold static pressure may comprise comparing the static pressure measurement to the selected threshold static pressure. In this way, a more accurate detection of the presence / absence of hair may be achieved. When the haircare attachment comprises a plurality of pressure tappings, the respective plurality of detections of the presence or absence of hair covering each aperture may correspond to a determination of the distribution of hair on the exterior surface of the body. Such a determination may be useful when designing or testing haircare attachments, for example to improve or optimise their dimensions and / or geometries, and / or to ensure proper functioning of the haircare attachment. The determination of the distribution of hair may additionally, or alternatively be used during use of the attachment. For example, based on the distribution of hair, the airflow (e.g., speed, direction and / or temperature of the airflow) through the attachment may be adjusted. In some examples, the hair detection module may be configured to adjust the mode of operation of the haircare appliance based on the detection of the presence or absence of hair and / or the determination of the distribution of hair on the exterior surface of the body. It will be appreciated that features described with reference to the first aspect (for the haircare attachment, and / or the main unit, for example) may apply equally to the third aspect, unless clearly impermissible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side view of a haircare attachment. Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of a haircare attachment. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a haircare attachment, the cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the haircare attachment. Figure 4 shows a plot of static pressure against time measured by a pressure sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 and 2 show a side view and a perspective side view, respectively, of a haircare attachment 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the haircare attachment 100, taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the haircare attachment 100. The haircare attachment 100 is reversibly attachable to a main unit (not shown in the Figures). The main unit comprises a housing which defines an inlet through which airflow is drawn in to the housing by a blower within the housing, and an outlet through which the airflow may be discharged from the housing and into the haircare attachment 100. The haircare attachment 100 is formed of a tubular body 102, which includes a lower open end 104 and an upper closed end 106. The lower open end 104 corresponds to an airflow inlet of the body 102, for fluidly coupling to the outlet of the main unit. Airflow outlets 108 in the form of slots extend longitudinally along the length of the body 102, and are shaped to direct air leaving the body 102 in a direction tangential to the exterior surface of the body 102, as is best shown in Figure 3. The body 102 comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed subsections 102a / b, and each airflow outlet 108 is defined between a respective two adjacent subsections 102a / b, which are shaped and arranged to direct the air in the tangential direction. In more detail, in each pair of adjacent subsections 102a / b, one of the subsections 102a corresponds to a sleeve subsection, and one of the subsections 102b corresponds to a slat subsection which is located radially outwards from and partially overlies the sleeve subsection 102a. An airflow channel 110 fluidly connecting the airflow inlet 104 to the airflow outlets 108 is defined by an interior surface of the body 102. The body 102 further defines a plurality of pressure tappings. Each pressure tapping respectively comprises an aperture 112 provided at the exterior surface of the body 102, a connector 114 in the form of a tube extending outwards from the exterior surface of the body 102, and a passage 116 (only visible in Figure 3) fluidly connecting the aperture 112 to the connector 114. Each connector 114 is for interfacing with a respective pressure sensor (not shown in the Figures), to enable a measure of static pressure at the exterior surface of the body 102 (at the location of the corresponding aperture 112) to be made. In some embodiments, the pressure sensors form a part of the main unit of the haircare appliance. In other embodiments, the pressure sensors are separate components to the haircare appliance. To ensure an accurate static pressure measurement, each aperture 112 extends transversely relative to the exterior surface of the body 102. Further, each pressure tapping is isolated from the airflow channel 110 by being sandwiched between the exterior surface and the interior surface of the body 102, as well as from the other pressure tappings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first subset of the connectors 114 are located at a first end (the upper end 106) of the body 102, and a second subset of the connectors 114 are located at a second end (the lower end 104) of the body 102, which allows the body 102 to include a greater number of pressure tappings. The apertures 112 are located at different positions around and along the exterior surface of the body 102. As such, static pressure measurements can be made for different locations on the exterior surface of the body 102. Using the static pressure measurements, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of hair on the exterior surface of the body 102 at the locations of the apertures 112 when the hair attachment lOOis in use (i.e., when air flows from the airflow inlet 104 through the airflow outlet 108 of the haircare attachment 100). Figure 4 shows a plot of static pressure measurements against time, as measured by a pressure sensor coupled to the haircare attachment 100 via a respective connector 114. The static pressure measurements are differential pressure measurements, made relative to atmospheric pressure. A static pressure measurement of 0 kPa therefore indicates atmospheric pressure. When there is no net airflow along the airflow channel 110, the differential static pressure measurement is 0 kPa. When there is airflow along the airflow channel 110 from the airflow inlet 104 to the airflow outlet 108, and there is no hair on the aperture 112 (of the pressure tapping to which the pressure sensor is coupled), the differential static pressure measurement is less than 0 (approximately -0.12 kPa in the example shown in Figure 4). When there is airflow along the airflow channel 110 from the airflow inlet 104 to the airflow outlet 108, and there is hair present on the aperture 112 (of the pressure tapping to which the pressure sensor is coupled), the differential static pressure measurement is less than 0 kPa (approximately -0.05 kPa in the example shown in Figure 4), but greater than that measured when no hair is present on the aperture. Thus, a magnitude of the static pressure may be used to detect a presence or absence of hair. For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, when the magnitude of the static pressure is less than or equal to 0.06 kPa (but greater than 0 kPa), a presence of hair may be detected. When the magnitude of the static pressure is greater than 0.06 kPa (e.g., 0.12kPa), an absence of hair may be detected. The detection of the presence or absence of hair is carried out by a hair detection module. 5 In some embodiments, the hair detection module forms a part of the main unit of the haircare appliance. In other embodiments, the hair detection module is a separate component from the haircare appliance. Whilst particular examples and embodiments have thus far been described, it should be 10 understood that these are illustrative only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, while the figures show a plurality of circular apertures 112, the apertures 112 may be in any suitable shape and there may be only one aperture 112 on the attachment.

Claims

1. A haircare attachment comprising:a body having an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet and an airflow channel fluidly connecting the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet; andat least one pressure tapping for providing a measure of a static pressure at an exterior surface of the body, the pressure tapping comprising an aperture, a passage and a connector, wherein:the aperture is provided at the exterior surface of the body;the passage fluidly connects the aperture to the connector;the passage is isolated from the airflow channel; and,the connector provides an interface for connecting to a pressure sensor.

2. A haircare attachment according to claim 1, whereinthe airflow channel is defined by an interior surface of the body; and,the passage is located between the exterior surface of the body and the interior surface of the body.

3. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture extends transversely through a wall of the body to fluidly connect the exterior surface of the body to the passage.

4. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises a tube extending from the exterior surface for interfacing with the pressure sensor.

5. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the haircare attachment comprises a plurality of pressure tappings including a respective plurality of apertures, and wherein each of the apertures is located at a different position at the exterior surface of the body.

6. A haircare attachment according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of pressure tappings is isolated from other pressure tappings.

7. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one pressure tapping comprises:a first subset of pressure tappings, each including a respective connector located at a first end of the body; and,a second subset of pressure tappings, each including a respective connector located at second end of the body.

8. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture of the at least one pressure tapping has a diameter of no more than 1mm.

9. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the body is tubular.

10. A haircare attachment according to any preceding claim wherein the airflow outlet is shaped to direct air leaving the airflow channel in a direction tangential to the exterior surface of the body.

11. A haircare appliance comprising:a body having an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet and an airflow channel fluidly connecting the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet;a pressure sensor; and,at least one pressure tapping connected to the pressure sensor, the pressure tapping comprising an aperture, and a conduit, wherein:the aperture is provided at the exterior surface of the body;the conduit fluidly connects the aperture to the pressure sensor;the conduit is isolated from the airflow channel,wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense, via the pressure tapping, static pressure at the exterior surface of the body.

12. The haircare appliance of claim 11, wherein the conduit comprises a first passage and a second passage, wherein the second passage is arranged within a main unit and the first passage is arranged within the body which is removably attached to the main unit.

13. A system comprising:a haircare attachment according to any of claims 1 to 10 and,one or more pressure sensors, each pressure sensor arranged to be coupled to a respective pressure tapping of the haircare attachment via the connector of the pressure tapping.

14. A system according to claim 13, further comprising:a hair detection module configured to:receive, from each of the pressure sensors, a respective static pressure measurement; and,detect, based on each received static pressure measurement, a presence or absence of hair covering the aperture of the pressure tapping to which the respective pressure sensor is coupled.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the hair detection module is configured to detect the presence or absence of hair by:comparing the static pressure measurement to a threshold static pressure, and:if a magnitude of the static pressure measurement is less than or equal to a magnitude of the threshold static pressure, outputting an indication that hair is present; and,if the magnitude of the static pressure measurement is greater than the magnitude of the threshold static pressure, outputting an indication that hair is absent.