Adjustable Magnetic Vibration Absorber for Personal Care Drivetrains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration cancellation methods in personal care devices, such as electric toothbrushes and shavers, are not adjustable to the unique operating frequency of each device, leading to reduced effectiveness in reducing unwanted vibrations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable vibration reduction assembly comprising a first component with a radial magnetization pattern of alternating poles and a second component with a ferromagnetic material, separated by an adjustable air gap, allowing for fine-tuning of the vibration cancellation mechanism by adjusting the distance between the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed vibration cancellation methods (springs or magnetic springs) are used, then vibration reduction is achieved, but the system cannot adjust to unique operating frequency of each device, decreasing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable air gap between the magnet and ferromagnetic material, allowing the vibration cancellation mechanism to dynamically adapt to different operating frequencies. The air gap can be modified to change the magnetic spring stiffness, enabling the system to tune its vibration cancellation characteristics to match the specific resonant frequency of each device, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed vibration reduction and frequency adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the air gap distance to adjust the magnetic spring constant. By varying this parameter, the system can optimize vibration cancellation for different operating conditions and device configurations, transforming a fixed-parameter system into an adjustable one that maintains effectiveness across varying frequencies
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration cancellation components are added to reduce unwanted vibrations, then vibration reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vibration cancellation mechanism into the existing drivetrain structure, where the magnet and ferromagnetic material serve dual purposes: generating the oscillating force for the personal care device function and simultaneously providing vibration cancellation through their magnetic spring interaction. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for separate dedicated vibration cancellation components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap acts as an intermediary element between the magnet and ferromagnetic material, enabling vibration cancellation through magnetic field interaction without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical spring structures. This intermediary approach achieves vibration reduction using a simple adjustable parameter (air gap distance) rather than complex mechanical assemblies
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 solution effectively reduces unwanted vibrations by adjusting to the unique operating frequency of each personal care device, enhancing vibration cancellation and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of the plurality of magnets interact via magnetic force with a respective one of the ferromagnetic extensions to reduce vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic spring attracts iron in the actuator, and the magnitude of attraction is related to the distance between the magnet and the iron, creating a magnetic equivalent to a mechanical spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration reduction assembly (200) including: (i) a shaft (240); (ii) a first component (210) positioned along the shaft and having a first face (212) comprising a plurality of magnets (230) positioned to alternate between a magnet having a first magnetic pole (232) at the first face and a magnet having the opposite magnetic pole (234) at the first face; and (iii) a second component (220) positioned along the shaft and having a first face (222) comprising a plurality of ferromagnetic extensions (260), wherein the first face of the first component is separated from the first face of the second component by a gap (280) having an adjustable first distance, and wherein a pair of the plurality of magnets interact via magnetic force with a respective one of the ferromagnetic extensions to reduce vibrations from a drivetrain to a housing portion of the personal care device.