Adjustable Brushhead for Facial Contour Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oscillating skin care devices require frequent repositioning to accommodate facial contours, making effective treatment of the facial area difficult and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable brushhead with a base member and an outer brush assembly flexibly mounted to the base, allowing the outer brush assembly to move in response to facial contours, while the inner brush assembly is driven and remains fixed to ensure effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the brushhead uses a fixed rigid structure, then the manufacturing precision and structural stability are improved, but the adaptability to facial contours deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to facial contours

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brushhead is divided into an inner brush assembly and an outer brush assembly. The inner brush assembly provides stable oscillating cleaning action, while the outer brush assembly is segmented into multiple flexible bristle sections that can independently adapt to facial contours, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer brush assembly is designed with flexible mounting that allows it to dynamically adjust and move in response to contact with facial contours, while the inner brush assembly maintains fixed oscillating motion. This dynamic flexibility in the outer assembly provides adaptability without compromising the stable cleaning action of the inner assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the outer brush assembly is rigidly fixed, then the cleaning efficacy is improved through consistent contact, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent repositioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficacyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer brush assembly is flexibly mounted to allow dynamic movement and adjustment to facial contours during operation. This eliminates the need for frequent manual repositioning by the user, improving ease of operation while maintaining consistent cleaning contact through the flexible adaptation of the outer bristles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The outer brush assembly automatically adjusts itself to conform to facial contours through its flexible mounting, eliminating the need for user intervention to reposition the brushhead. The system self-adjusts to maintain optimal cleaning contact, improving both ease of operation and cleaning efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the outer brush assembly is flexibly mounted, then the adaptability to facial contours is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to facial contoursVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brushhead is segmented into inner and outer assemblies with distinct functions. The outer assembly's flexible mounting is simplified through this segmentation, allowing adaptability to be achieved through a relatively simple structural division rather than a complex integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer brush assembly uses flexible bristle elements and mounting structures that provide adaptability through simple elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical joints or actuators. This approach achieves contour adaptation with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adjustable brushhead effectively treats facial contours by allowing the outer brush assembly to conform to skin irregularities, ensuring clean and even contact with the skin surface, enhancing the overall cleaning efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

an outer brush assembly, which is positioned around the inner brush member, the outer brush assembly being flexibly mounted to the base member so that the outer brush assembly moves in response to contact with facial contours

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9386843B2Adjusting brushhead for facial contours

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 LOREAL SA

AI summary

An adjusting brushhead includes a base assembly which is removably connectable to an electric skin care appliance. The brushhead also includes an inner brush assembly which oscillates in operation by a drive member with motor action. The brushhead further includes an outer brush assembly which is mounted to the base assembly by mounting elements, permitting the outer brush assembly to move in accordance with facial contours.