Hair cutting device and its attachment

Abstract

According to one aspect, an electric hair cutting device 100 is provided, which includes a main body 102 including a radio frequency (RF) generator unit 108 configured to generate RF energy and a first plurality of electrodes 110 electrically coupled to the RF generator unit, and an attachment assembly 104 removably attached to the main body, the attachment assembly having a second plurality of electrodes 114 configured to contact a user's skin during use, and a cutting element 112, the attachment assembly 104 being a comb attachment having teeth 106 that serve to separate and / or lift hairs to be cut during use, the first plurality of electrodes being electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly when the attachment assembly is attached to the main body, such that RF energy generated by the RF generator unit can be transmitted to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric hair cutting device and an attachment for use with the electric hair cutting device, and more particularly to an electric hair cutting device and an attachment capable of raising the temperature of a user's skin.

Background Art

[0002] Hair cutting devices such as electric shavers, hair trimmers or clippers are used to cut or shave hair on a part of a human body such as the head or face. By warming the body part where the hair is cut, an improved hair cutting experience can be achieved for the user of such a device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Some existing shaving devices include elements that generate heat during use and transfer heat to the user's skin. A drawback of such a direct heating method is that the user may experience "hot spots". This is because in the area in contact with the shaving device, the surface of the user's skin feels particularly hot, while in other parts, little effect is felt. Furthermore, the heat from such direct heating is concentrated on the skin surface and there is little warming effect below the skin surface.

[0004] A further problem to be overcome is to provide an element capable of achieving a warming effect in a hand-held device with limited space.

[0005] Therefore, an alternative form for heating the skin of the user of a hair cutting device to address the above-mentioned drawbacks is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to provide an improved user experience, there is a need for a hair cutting device that can safely provide warmth to the user during use. The inventors of the present disclosure recognized that such a warming experience can be achieved by using a radio frequency (RF) generator unit to generate RF energy and transmitting the RF energy to the user's skin via electrodes. The electrodes can be disposed on the hair cutting device itself or on an attachment (e.g., a comb attachment) that can be attached to the hair cutting device.

[0007] According to a first specific aspect, there is provided an electric hair cutting device, which includes a main body including an RF generator unit configured to generate radio frequency (RF) energy and a first plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the RF generator unit, and an attachment assembly removably attached to the main body, the attachment assembly including a second plurality of electrodes configured to contact the user's skin during use. The electric hair cutting device further has a cutting element. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth that serve to separate and / or lift the hair to be cut during use. The first plurality of electrodes are configured to be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly when the attachment assembly is attached to the main body, so that the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit can be transmitted to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin.

[0008] In some embodiments, the RF generator unit can be configured to generate RF energy transmitted to the user's skin. As a result, the temperature of the user's skin is caused to rise to a temperature between 38°C and 42°C.

[0009] The RF generator unit can be configured to operate based on at least one of the following parameters. i) An RF frequency between 0.5 MHz and 100 MHz. ii) The RF peak-to-peak voltage between 10 Vpp and 100 Vpp. and iii) A rated power of 20 W.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electric hair cutting device can further include a processing unit that is operably communicable with the RF generator unit, and the processing unit is configured to control the operating parameters of the RF generating unit and the operating parameters of the cutting element of the electric hair cutting device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electric hair cutting device can further include a skin impedance measurement unit configured to measure the impedance of the skin between a pair of electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes during use. The processing unit is configured to control the operating parameters of the RF generator unit based on the measured skin impedance.

[0012] The second plurality of electrodes can have a first pair of electrodes of opposite polarity and a second pair of electrodes of opposite polarity. The skin impedance measurement unit may be configured to measure the impedance of the skin between each electrode of the first pair of electrodes and between each electrode of the second pair of electrodes. The processing unit can be configured to control the parameters of the RF energy supplied to each of the first and second pairs of electrodes based on the measured skin impedance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes are adjustable.

[0014] The electric hair cutting device can further include at least one electrical insulating element located between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity of the second plurality of electrodes, and the at least one electrical insulating element is configured to contact the user's skin during use to limit the flow of current between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity through a fluid present on the user's skin.

[0015] The second plurality of electrodes can have a first electrode of a first polarity, a second electrode of a second polarity, and a third electrode of the second polarity. The second and third electrodes can be disposed on both sides of the first electrode.

[0016] In some embodiments, the skin contact surface area of the first electrode may be between two times and four times greater than the respective skin contact surface areas of the second and third electrodes.

[0017] The first electrode can have a width between 2.8 mm and 7 mm, the second electrode can have a width between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, and / or the third electrode can have a width between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the separation between the first electrode and each of the second and third electrodes may be between 3 mm and 15 mm.

[0019] According to a second specific aspect, an attachment for an electric hair cutting device is provided, the attachment being configured to be removably attached to the body of the electric hair cutting device, the attachment comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to contact the user's skin during use, and a contact element electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes, the contact element being configured to receive RF energy from a radio frequency (RF) generator unit of the electric hair cutting device and transmit the RF energy to the user's skin via the plurality of electrodes to raise the temperature of the user's skin when the attachment is attached to the body of the electric hair cutting device. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth that serve to separate and / or lift the hairs to be cut during use.

[0020] According to a third specific aspect, there is provided an electric hair cutting device, which includes a main body having an RF generator unit configured to generate radio frequency (RF) energy and a cutting assembly including a cutting element, and a first plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the RF generator unit, wherein when the first plurality of electrodes contact the user's skin, RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin. The electric hair cutting device further includes an attachment assembly removably attached to the main body, and the attachment assembly has a second plurality of electrodes configured to contact the user's skin during use. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth that serve to separate and / or lift the hair to be cut during use. The first plurality of electrodes may be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly. As a result, during use, RF energy can be conducted from the RF generator unit to the second plurality of electrodes and then to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin.

[0021] These and other aspects will become apparent from and will be described in connection with the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings, which are merely illustrative.

[0024] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided an electric hair cutting device capable of providing a warming effect to the user's skin while the device is used to cut or style hair. The warming effect is obtained by transmitting radio frequency (RF) energy to the user's skin through a plurality of electrodes. By doing so, the user's hair experience is improved. Further, by warming the skin, for example, when close shaving is realized, the cutting effect of the hair cutting activity can be improved.

[0025] According to a first aspect, there is provided an electric hair cutting device. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an electric hair cutting device 100. The hair cutting device 100 can have a shaving device (e.g., an electric shaver), a hair trimming device (e.g., a hair clipper), or any other electric device used to cut hair. The shaving device or the hair trimming device is referred to as a cutting element (112). The hair cutting device 100 can have, for example, a hand-held device and can be powered by a main power source, by one or more batteries, and / or by one or more other power sources.

[0026] The electric hair cutting device 100 has a main body 102 (also referred to as the main body part or housing), and an attachment assembly 104 that can be removably attached to the main body 102. For example, the attachment assembly 104 can include a coupling element or fixture that enables attachment to and detachment from the main body 102. The attachment assembly 104 has an attachment configured to engage the user's skin during use to separate the user's skin from the cutting element (e.g., blade) of the electric hair cutting device 100. The attachment assembly 104 has a comb attachment with teeth 106 that serve to separate and / or lift the hair to be cut during use.

[0027] The main body 102 of the hair cutting device 100 has a radio frequency (RF) generator unit 108 configured to generate RF energy. The main body 102 also has a first plurality of electrodes 110 electrically coupled to the RF generator unit 108. For example, the first plurality of electrodes 110 can receive RF energy from the RF generator unit 108. In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes 110 can be disposed on or near the cutting element 112 of the hair cutting device 100. The cutting element 112 can have one or more blades configured to cut hair during use. The RF generator unit 108 can receive power from a power source (not shown) that can have a main power supply and / or one or more batteries as described above. The same power source can be used to provide power to other elements of the electric hair cutting device 100.

[0028] The attachment assembly 104 has a second plurality of electrodes 114 configured to contact the user's skin during use. For example, when the attachment assembly 104 is attached to the main body 102 of the hair cutting device 100, the second plurality of electrodes 114 can engage the user's skin during hair cutting activity (e.g., when the hair cutting device is used to cut the user's hair).

[0029] The first plurality of electrodes 110 are configured to be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes 114 of the attachment assembly 104 when the attachment assembly is attached to the body 102, such that RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can be transmitted to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin. Each electrode in the second plurality of electrodes 114 can include, for example, one or more electrical contacts 116 disposed on the attachment assembly 104 or can be electrically coupled thereto, which can engage corresponding one or more electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes 110 on the body 102 of the hair cutting device 100. For example, when the attachment assembly 104 is attached to the body 102, an electrical connection can be formed between the first plurality of electrodes 110 and the second plurality of electrodes 114.

[0030] During use, RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can pass through the first plurality of electrodes 110 and the second plurality of electrodes 114 to the user's skin (e.g., between a pair of electrodes of opposite polarities), thereby causing the temperature of the skin to rise, which provides a warming sensation to the user and improves the effectiveness of the cutting operation. The RF energy can be supplied to the user's skin while the electric hair cutting device 100 is being used to cut hair or independently of the hair cutting function, e.g., when the cutting element 112 is not operating.

[0031] The amount of RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can be varied by changing one or more parameters of the RF generator unit. For example, increasing the power supplied to the RF generator unit 108 increases the amount of RF energy generated and results in a greater increase in the temperature of the user's skin.

[0032] In some embodiments, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to generate RF energy that is transmitted to the user's skin. As a result, the temperature of the user's skin is caused to rise to a temperature between 38°C and 42°C. In some examples, the RF energy is supplied such that the temperature of the user's skin is caused to rise to a maximum of about 42°C at its surface. This is because this temperature can provide a comfortable warmth without causing pain or discomfort to the user and can improve the effectiveness of the hair cutting activity. When the temperature of the skin surface is about 42°C, the temperature within the epidermis and dermis of the skin reaches between about 38°C and 40°C. Such an increase in the temperature of the deeper tissues of the user can provide a comfortable warm feeling.

[0033] The desired temperature increase in the user's skin can be achieved by adjusting one or more parameters of the electro-epilation device 100 in order to vary the amount of RF energy transmitted to the user's skin. For example, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be changed. The RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate based on one or more specific parameters as described hereinafter. For example, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate at an RF frequency between 0.5 MHz and 100 MHz, more preferably between 0.5 MHz and 50 MHz, and even more preferably between 0.5 MHz and 10 MHz. In some examples, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate at an RF peak-to-peak voltage between 10 Vpp and 100 Vpp. In some examples, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate at a rated power of 20 W. For a typical user using typical skin characteristics, electrode shapes, and RF parameters (e.g., frequency and voltage), the RF generator unit 108 configured in this way supplies RF energy to the user's skin with an RF power dissipation between 1 W and 20 W. The RF power dissipation can be varied (e.g., by adjusting the parameters of the RF generator unit 108) based on the electrode shape (e.g., the size and arrangement of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes) and / or the RF voltage input (i.e., the voltage supplied to the user's skin by the RF generator unit 108). In other words, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to supply RF energy to the user's skin with an RF power dissipation between 1 W and 20 W. One or more of the above parameters can be adjusted, together with one or more other parameters of the RF generator unit 108, to generate RF energy suitable for raising the temperature of the user's skin to within the intended temperature range.

[0034] The parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted and / or controlled by one or more processors or processing units disposed within the electric hair cutting device 100 or remotely disposed relative to the electric hair cutting device (e.g., in wireless communication with the RF generator unit 108). In some examples, the electric hair cutting device 100 can further include a processing unit 118 that is operably communicable with the RF generator unit 108. The processing unit 118 can be configured to control the operating parameters of the RF generator unit 108. In some embodiments, the processing unit 118 can be further configured to control the operating parameters of the cutting element 112 of the hair cutting device 100. For example, the processing unit 118 can control a motor to cause one or more blades of the cutting element 112 to rotate or move, and / or the processing unit can adjust the relative position of the blades within the cutting element to change the hair cutting length achieved by the electric hair cutting device 100. In other examples, the processing unit 118 can be configured to control other elements of the electric hair cutting device 100.

[0035] Generally, the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 is transmitted from a first electrode to a second electrode through the user's skin. In an example where the electric hair cutting device 100 is used without the attachment assembly 104, the RF energy can be transmitted from a first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes, through the skin, to a second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes, and in an example where the attachment assembly is attached to the body 102 during use, the RF energy can be transmitted from a first electrode of the second plurality of electrodes, through the skin, to a second electrode of the second plurality of electrodes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the amount of RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can be maintained constant during use. However, in other embodiments, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted during use to vary the amount of RF energy provided to the user's skin, thereby varying the temperature change experienced by the user. As an example, a skin temperature measurement element can be provided to measure the temperature of the skin near the location in contact with one or more electrodes. If it is determined that the temperature of the skin meets or exceeds a threshold temperature, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted to reduce the amount of RF energy generated. Accordingly, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted based on the measured skin temperature.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the electric hair cutting device 100 can further include a skin impedance measurement unit 120 configured to measure the impedance of the skin between a pair of electrodes during use (e.g., between a pair of electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes when the hair cutting device is used without the attachment assembly 104, or between a pair of electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes when the attachment assembly is used). The skin impedance of the user's skin may vary based on the degree of wetness of the skin or the amount of liquid present on the skin surface. For example, if the user applies a gel or liquid (shaving gel or water) to the skin before starting the shaving activity, the skin impedance may be different from the skin impedance when no gel or liquid is applied. A processing unit 118 that can communicate operably with the skin impedance measurement unit 120 can be configured to control the operating parameters of the RF generator unit 108 based on the measured skin impedance. The power and / or peak-to-peak voltage of the RF generator unit 108 can be varied, for example, based on the measured skin impedance. For example, if it is determined that the skin impedance is below a threshold impedance, the processing unit 118 can control the RF generator unit 108 to reduce the amount / power of the RF energy generated.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes can have a plurality of electrode pairs, such as a plurality of discrete electrode pairs or a plurality of electrode pairs sharing a common electrode. In such embodiments, the skin impedance measurement unit 120 can be configured to measure the impedance of the skin between each pair of electrodes, and the operating parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted to vary the parameters of the RF energy (e.g., power and / or peak-to-peak voltage) supplied to each electrode or pair of electrodes based on the measured skin impedance at each electrode or pair of electrodes. Thus, the RF energy supplied to the user's skin can be adjusted to account for different levels of skin wetness across the cutting element 112 or attachment assembly 104 that contacts the user's skin during use. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second plurality of electrodes 114 (or, if the electric hair cutting device 100 is used without the attachment assembly 104, the first plurality of electrodes) can have a first pair of electrodes of opposite polarity and a second pair of electrodes of opposite polarity. The skin impedance measurement unit 120 can be configured to measure the impedance of the skin between each electrode of the first pair of electrodes and between each electrode of the second pair of electrodes. The processing unit 118 can be configured to control the parameters of the RF energy supplied to each of the first and second pairs of electrodes (or control the parameters of the RF generator unit 108) based on the measured skin impedance.

[0039] In another embodiment, the frequency of the RF energy supplied to the user's skin via the electrodes can be varied for each user. There is an optimal frequency range to achieve a desired target skin temperature between 38°C and 42°C, but the optimal frequency may vary for different users. Thus, prior to using the electric hair cutting device 100, the user can perform a calibration or probing step, as a result of which the optimal frequency of the RF energy can be determined. During such calibration, the user can position the electric hair cutting device 100 such that the first plurality of electrodes 110 or the second plurality of electrodes 114 contact the skin where the hair is to be cut. Next, the RF generator unit 108 can generate RF energy having at least three different frequencies, and the generated RF energy can be provided through the user's skin across each of the plurality of pairs of electrodes. The skin impedance measurement unit 120 can measure the impedance of the skin across each pair of electrodes when RF energy of a plurality of different frequencies is supplied. From the slope of the plot of the measured skin impedance at each frequency of the RF energy, the optimal frequency for the user can be determined. Once the optimal frequency for a particular user is determined, the processing unit 118 can control the RF generator unit 108 to generate RF energy at the optimal frequency. In some examples, the optimal frequency for a particular user is stored in memory, for example as part of a user profile, and as a result it can be used for the same user during future hair cutting sessions.

[0040] In addition to varying the parameters of the RF generator unit 108, different thermal effects on the user's skin can be achieved using different numbers and arrangements of electrodes (e.g., size and relative position). To transmit RF energy to the user's skin and obtain the intended warming sensation, at least two electrodes can be provided, although alternatively three or more electrodes can also be provided. The greater the number of electrodes, the greater the thermal effect, but more space is used in the cutting element 112 or the attachment assembly 104. Therefore, a compromise is required to obtain a good skin thermal effect while maintaining good cutting ability. In a preferred embodiment, three electrodes can be provided.

[0041] Figures 2-6 show various possible arrangements of the electrodes. The electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 110 and / or the second plurality of electrodes 114 can be arranged based on the arrangements shown in Figures 2-6.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes 110 and / or the second plurality of electrodes 114 can be arranged based on the arrangement shown in Figure 2, in which case the plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode 202 of a first polarity, a second electrode 204 of a second polarity, and a third electrode 206 of the second polarity. In this example, the second electrode 204 and the third electrode 206 are arranged on both sides of the first electrode 202.

[0043] In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the plurality of electrodes are arranged alternately in terms of polarity, such that adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities (electrode 302 is of the first polarity and electrode 304 is of the second polarity). In this example, the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a row. In the arrangement shown in Figure 4, the plurality of electrodes are arranged in two rows, with the first row of electrodes 402 having a first polarity and the second row of electrodes 404 having a second opposite polarity.

[0044] In the arrangement shown in Figure 5, the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a first column 502 and a second column 504, and in each column, adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities. This arrangement is such that the electrodes in the first column 502 face the electrodes in the second column 504 having opposite polarities.

[0045] Figure 6 shows an arrangement similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 2, where the first electrode 602 is centrally located with respect to the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. In the arrangement shown in Figure 6, the first central electrode 602 has a larger skin contact surface area than the second and third electrodes 604, 606 located on both sides. In some embodiments, the skin contact surface area of the first electrode 602 is between two and four times larger than the respective skin contact surface areas of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. In a preferred embodiment, the skin contact surface area of the first electrode 602 is between 2.5 and 3 times larger than the respective skin contact surface areas of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. In one embodiment, the skin contact surface area of the first electrode 602 is 2.8 times larger than the respective skin contact surface areas of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. By arranging the electrodes such that the skin contact area ratio is between 2:1 and 4:1, a good balance of current density between the electrodes can be achieved. This results in improved heating performance compared to other surface area ratios and ensures that good heating performance is maintained when smaller electrodes are used.

[0046] The size of each electrode may also affect the heating performance and / or the depth of tissue heated by the electrode. In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes 110 and / or the second plurality of electrodes 114 have three electrodes configured as shown in FIG. 6. The first central electrode 602 can have a dimension (e.g., width) that is larger than the equivalent dimension of the second and third electrodes 604, 606 located on both sides of the central electrode. For example, the lengths of all the electrodes may be substantially the same, and this length may correspond to or be similar to the width of the cutting element 112 and / or the width of the attachment assembly 104. For example, the length of the electrode is about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the first electrode 602 can have a width between 2.8 mm and 7 mm. Generally, better heating performance can be achieved with larger electrodes, but the maximum size (e.g., width) of each electrode is restricted by the area available on the cutting element 112 and / or the attachment assembly 104. Thus, there is a trade-off between providing a large electrode to improve heating performance and maintaining adequate cutting ability while keeping the cutting element 112 and / or the attachment assembly 104 sufficiently exposed. In some embodiments, the second electrode 604 and / or the third electrode 606 can have a width between 1 mm and 3.5 mm. In a particular example, the first electrode 602 has a width of about 7 mm, and the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606 have a width of about 2.5 mm. The electrodes can be of any shape, such as rectangular or cubic. In some examples, the skin contact surface of the electrode is flat (i.e., planar), but in other examples, the skin contact surface can be curved. The electrodes may be made of a conductive material capable of conducting RF energy to the user's skin. For example, the electrodes can be formed from metal.

[0047] The distance between the electrodes can also affect the heating performance and / or the depth of tissue heated by the electrodes. Generally, the smaller the gap between adjacent electrodes, the better the steering of the RF current between the electrodes, and thus the improved heating performance. However, if the distance between adjacent electrodes is too narrow, this can cause current concentration, resulting in hot spots and potentially causing pain to the user. Similar to the selection of the electrode size, a large gap between adjacent electrodes can provide an improved hair cutting function. In some examples, the distance between the first electrode 602 and each of the second and third electrodes 604, 606 may be between 3 mm and 15 mm. More preferably, in some embodiments, this distance may be between 3.4 mm and 14.3 mm. In another specific embodiment, this distance can be between 3 mm and 4 mm.

[0048] In some embodiments, the optimal spacing between adjacent electrodes may depend on the width of the electrodes. Thus, in some examples, the relative positions of the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes are adjustable. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams of examples of how the relative positions of the plurality of electrodes are adjusted.

[0049] In FIG. 7, a pair of electrodes 702, 704 are shown, but it should be understood that the relative positions of the electrodes may be adjusted when any number of electrodes are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 7, one or more of the electrodes 702, 704 can all be attached to a moving mechanism. As a result, at least one electrode can be moved (e.g., slid along a rail) relative to another electrode so as to adjust the relative positions of the electrodes and the spacing between adjacent electrodes.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 8, six electrodes 802 through 812 are shown, but it should be understood that the following discussion is applicable to any number of electrodes. In this example, the electrodes themselves are stationary and not movable. However, a mechanism is provided that allows different ones of electrodes 802 through 812 to be used to transmit RF energy to the user's skin at any given time. For example, the mechanism can include a plurality of switches for mechanically connecting and / or disconnecting a particular electrode to / from the RF generator unit 108 as needed. In some embodiments, the processor 118 can be configured to control which of electrodes 802 through 812 are active at any given time. In this way, the effective separation between the electrodes can be controlled. In FIG. 8, the hatched electrodes 804 and 810 are shown as being active. For example, if electrodes 806 and 808 are active while the other electrodes are non-active, the effective spacing between the active electrodes is relatively small, while if electrodes 802 and 812 are active while the other electrodes are non-active, the effective spacing between the active electrodes is relatively large.

[0051] As described herein, the RF energy transmitted between the electrodes is intended to pass through the user's skin and tissue. However, in some cases, a fluid (e.g., water, sweat, moisturizer, shaving gel, etc.) on the user's skin can create an electrical connection between the electrodes, causing an effective “short circuit” condition, whereby the RF energy is transmitted between the electrodes through the fluid rather than through the user's skin. To reduce the likelihood of RF energy being transmitted through the fluid, in some embodiments, an electrically insulating (i.e., electrically non-conductive) element can be provided to prevent such short circuit events. The electrically insulating element can be formed of any electrically non-conductive material, such as a plastic material. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of examples of how such an insulating element can be implemented.

[0052] In FIG. 9, a plurality of electrodes (e.g., the first or second plurality of electrodes 110, 114) are shown. The plurality of electrodes includes a first subset 902 of electrodes having a first polarity and a second subset 904 of electrodes having a second polarity. An electrical insulation element 906 is disposed between each adjacent pair of electrodes 902, 904. In use, the electrical insulation element 906 engages the user's skin and limits the flow of current between adjacent electrodes 902, 904 of opposite polarity unless RF energy passes through the user's skin.

[0053] Different arrangements of the plurality of electrodes 902, 904 are shown in FIG. 10. In this example, the electrodes 902, 904 are configured such that the electrodes 902 of the first polarity are arranged in a first row and the electrodes 904 of the second polarity are arranged in a second row. In this example, a plurality of cutting elements 1002 (e.g., rotary blades) are provided and an electrical insulation element 906 is provided between each cutting element 1002 to limit the direct flow of RF energy from the electrodes 902 of the first polarity to the electrodes 904 of the second polarity unless RF energy passes through the user's skin.

[0054] Thus, more generally, the electric hair cutting device 100 can have at least one electrical insulation element 906 located between adjacent electrodes 902, 904 of opposite polarity of the second plurality of electrodes 114 (and / or the first plurality of electrodes 110). The at least one electrical insulation element 906 is configured to contact the user's skin during use to limit the flow of current between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity via a fluid present on the user's skin.

[0055] In the absence of an electrical insulation element between adjacent electrodes, any fluid around the electrodes acts as a conductive material and thus current is directed from the sides of the electrodes towards the skin surface. This increases the equivalent contact area between the electrodes and the skin compared to the actual skin contact area of the electrodes, and thus more RF current is driven towards the skin surface rather than deep into the skin compared to the case where there is no fluid on the skin.

[0056] As discussed in this book, the functionality related to the electrodes of the present invention can be realized in the electrodes on the cutting element 112 (e.g., the first plurality of electrodes 110) and / or the electrodes on the attachment assembly 104 (e.g., the second plurality of electrodes 114). Accordingly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes both the body 102 and the attachment assembly 104 of the electric hair cutting device 100, while a further aspect of the present invention relates to an electric hair cutting device that does not include the attachment assembly.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an example of an electric hair cutting device 1100 having a body 102. The body 102 has a radio frequency (RF) generator unit 108 configured to generate RF energy, and a cutting assembly 1102 including a cutting element 112 and a first plurality of electrodes 110. The first plurality of electrodes 110 are electrically coupled to the RF generator unit 108, and are configured such that when the first plurality of electrodes contact the user's skin, RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit to the user's skin to increase the temperature of the user's skin.

[0058] Accordingly, the electric hair cutting device 1100 can provide the advantages of the disclosed invention without using the attachment assembly. Optionally, the attachment assembly 104 can be provided to function as, for example, a comb to lift and / or separate the hair to be cut while providing the advantages of the present invention. Thus, the electric hair cutting device 1100 can further include an attachment assembly 104 removably attached to the body 102. The attachment assembly 104 can have a second plurality of electrodes 114 configured to contact the user's skin during use. The first plurality of electrodes 110 can be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes 114 of the attachment assembly 104. As a result, RF energy can be conducted from the RF generator unit 108 to the second plurality of electrodes and to the user's skin during use to raise the temperature of the user's skin. In some examples, the second plurality of electrodes 114 can be electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact 1106 configured to engage one or more of the first plurality of electrodes 110 when the attachment assembly 104 is attached to the body 102.

[0059] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for an electric hair cutting device. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of an example of attachment 1200, which has or is similar to attachment assembly 104. Attachment 1200 suitable for use with an electric hair cutting device such as device 1100 is configured to be removably attached to the body 102 of the electric hair cutting device. Attachment 1200 has a plurality of electrodes 114 configured to contact the user's skin during use. Attachment 1200 further has a contact element 1106 electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes 114, wherein when the attachment is attached to the body 102 of the electric hair cutting device 1100, the contact element is configured to receive radio frequency (RF) energy from the RF generator unit 108 of the electric hair cutting device and transmit the RF energy to the user's skin via the plurality of electrodes to raise the temperature of the user's skin. In some examples, a plurality of contact elements 1106 may be provided. Attachment 1200 can have any number of features of attachment assembly 104 disclosed herein.

[0060] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a mechanism by which a thermal effect can be provided to the user's skin when performing hair cutting activities using an electric hair cutting device or an attachment thereof. Radio frequency energy provides a comfortable thermal experience to the human skin, and the electric hair cutting device and attachment assembly according to the disclosed embodiments enable the user to experience such warmth on the skin.

[0061] Processing unit 118 can have one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processors, or modules configured or programmed to control elements of the electric hair cutting device and / or assembly in the manner described herein. In certain implementations, processing unit 118 can have a plurality of software and / or hardware modules, each configured to perform or for performing individual or multiple steps of the methods described herein.

[0062] As used herein, the term "module" is intended to include a hardware element such as a processor or an element of a processor configured to perform a particular function, or a software element such as a set of instruction data having a particular function when executed by a processor.

[0063] It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention also apply to a computer program adapted to implement the present invention, particularly a computer program on or in a carrier. The program can be in source code, object code, an intermediate code between source and object code such as a partially compiled form, or any other form suitable for use in implementing the method according to embodiments of the present invention. It should also be understood that such a program can have many different architecture designs. For example, the program code for implementing the functions of the method or system according to the present invention can be subdivided into one or more subroutines. Many different ways of distributing functions among these subroutines will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The subroutines can be saved together in one executable file to form a self - contained program. Such an executable file can have computer - executable instructions, for example, processor instructions and / or interpreter instructions (e.g., Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively, one or more or all of the subroutines can be stored in at least one external library file and can be linked statically or dynamically, for example, at runtime with the main program. The main program includes at least one call to at least one subroutine. The subroutines can also have function calls to each other. Embodiments regarding computer program products have computer - executable instructions corresponding to at least one processing step of each method defined in this document. These instructions can be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that are linked statically or dynamically. Another embodiment regarding computer program products has computer - executable instructions corresponding to at least one means of each system and / or product defined in this document. These instructions can be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that are linked statically or dynamically.

[0064] The carrier of a computer program can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier can include a data storage device such as a ROM like a CDROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk. Further, the carrier can be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical signal or an optical signal, which can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable or wirelessly or by other means. When the program is embodied in such a signal, the carrier can be constituted by such a cable or other device or means. Alternatively, the carrier can be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, and the integrated circuit is configured to execute the relevant method or is used for execution.

[0065] Modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art who practice the principles and techniques described herein upon consideration of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. One processor or other unit can perform the functions of a plurality of items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously. A computer program can be stored or distributed in a suitable medium such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electric hair cutting device comprising: A main body having: An RF generator unit that generates radio frequency (RF) energy; and A main body including a first plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the RF generator unit; An attachment assembly removably attached to the main body, the attachment assembly having: A second plurality of electrodes that contact the user's skin during use; and A cutting element; Wherein the attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth that serve to separate and / or lift hairs to be cut during use; Wherein the first plurality of electrodes are electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly when the attachment assembly is attached to the main body, and RF energy generated by the RF generator unit can be transmitted to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin. An electric hair cutting device.

2. The RF generator unit generates RF energy transmitted to the user's skin, causing the temperature of the user's skin to rise to a temperature between 38°C and 42°C. The electric hair cutting device according to Claim 1.

3. The RF generator unit operates based on at least one of the parameters of: i) an RF frequency between 0.5 MHz and 100 MHz; ii) an RF peak-to-peak voltage between 10 Vpp and 100 Vpp; and iii) a rated power of 20 W. The electric hair cutting device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising a processing unit operably communicating with the RF generator unit, the processing unit: Controls the operating parameters of the RF generator unit; and Controls the operating parameters of the cutting element of the electric hair cutting device. The electric hair cutting device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Further comprising a skin impedance measurement unit that measures the impedance of the skin between a pair of electrodes among the second plurality of electrodes during use, and The processing unit controls the operating parameters of the RF generator unit based on the measured skin impedance. The electric hair cutting device according to Claim 4.

6. The second plurality of electrodes have a first pair of electrodes of opposite polarities and a second pair of electrodes of opposite polarities. The skin impedance measurement unit measures the impedance of the skin between each of the electrodes of the first pair and between each of the electrodes of the second pair, The processing unit controls parameters of the RF energy supplied to each of the first and second pairs of electrodes based on the measured impedance of the skin, the electric hair cutting device according to claim 5. **Claim 7** The electric hair cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a relative position of the electrodes in the plurality of first electrodes and / or the plurality of second electrodes is adjustable. **Claim 8** The electric hair cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one electrical insulating element located between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarities of the plurality of second electrodes, and restricting a flow of current between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarities through a fluid present on the user's skin, wherein the at least one electrical insulating element contacts the user's skin during use. **Claim 9** The plurality of second electrodes has a first electrode of a first polarity, a second electrode of a second polarity, and a third electrode of the second polarity, The electric hair cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second electrode and the third electrode are arranged on both sides of the first electrode. **Claim 10** The electric hair cutting device according to claim 9, wherein a skin contact surface area of the first electrode is between two times and four times larger than a skin contact surface area of each of the second electrode and the third electrode. **Claim 11** The first electrode has a width between 2.8 mm and 7 mm, The second electrode has a width between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, and The electric hair cutting device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the third electrode has a width between 1 mm and 3.5 mm. **Claim 12** The electric hair cutting device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a distance between the first electrode and each of the second electrode and the third electrode is between 3 mm and 15 mm. **Claim 13** An attachment for an electric hair cutting device, wherein the attachment is configured to be removably attached to a main body of the electric hair cutting device, and the attachment includes a plurality of electrodes that contact the user's skin during use, and a contact element electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes, When the attachment is attached to the body of the electric hair cutting device, the contact element receives RF energy from the radio frequency RF generator unit of the electric hair cutting device and transmits the RF energy to the user's skin via the plurality of electrodes to raise the temperature of the user's skin. It has a contact element. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth that serve to separate and / or lift the hair to be cut during use.

14. An electric hair cutting device, A body, An RF generator unit that generates radio frequency RF energy, A cutting assembly, A cutting element, A first plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the RF generator unit, wherein when the first plurality of electrodes contact the user's skin, RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin. A body including a cutting assembly having a first plurality of electrodes. An attachment assembly removably attached to the body, the attachment assembly An attachment assembly including a second plurality of electrodes that contact the user's skin during use. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth that serve to separate and / or lift the hair to be cut during use. The first plurality of electrodes are electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly, and during use, RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit to the second plurality of electrodes and can be conducted to the user's skin to raise the temperature of the user's skin. An electric hair cutting device.

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