Adjustable Pet Grooming Device for Dead Hair Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet grooming devices for removing dead hair from dogs lack adjustability, leading to inefficient hair removal due to uniform pulling force, which is not suitable for varying hair densities and lengths.

Innovation Solution

A device with a base and gripping part that move along predetermined trajectories, allowing for adjustable distance between them, enabling tailored pulling force based on hair attributes, and includes a removable comb for guiding hair and a suctioning mechanism for efficient hair collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a uniform pulling force is applied to all hair, then the device structure is simple, but the hair removal efficiency is poor for varying hair densities and lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehair removal efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs an adjustable distance mechanism between the base and gripping part, allowing the pulling force parameters to be dynamically changed according to different hair attributes (density and length). This enables the same device structure to adapt to varying grooming needs without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices, thus improving productivity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements adjustability in the distance parameter between the base and gripping part, which directly affects the pulling force applied to the hair. By allowing this parameter to be changed based on hair density and length, the device optimizes hair removal efficiency for different coat types without fundamentally altering the core device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between base and gripping part is fixed, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different hair densities and lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different hair attributesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an adjustable distance mechanism that allows the spacing between the base and gripping part to be modified according to different hair attributes. This dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability to various coat types while using a relatively simple mechanical adjustment structure that does not significantly complicate manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual combing is used to remove dead hair, then the device is simple, but not all dead hair can be removed efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehair removal completenessVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the guiding function of a comb with the pulling function of a gripping mechanism into a single integrated system. The comb guides the hair into the device while the adjustable gripping part applies the pulling force, combining multiple functions into one device that achieves more complete hair removal than simple manual combing without requiring excessively complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If uniform pulling force is applied, then the device is simpler to operate, but living hair may be damaged causing pain to the dog

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety for the animalVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable distance mechanism allows the operator to modify the pulling force parameters according to the specific coat characteristics being treated. This enables safer operation on animals with sensitive or dense coats by reducing the pulling force, while maintaining operational simplicity through a straightforward adjustment mechanism that does not require complex controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3494781B1A device for removing dead hair from a skin of a dog
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KARHIA INNOVATIONS OY
  • EP3494781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3494781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a device (100, 200, 300, 400) for removing dead hair from a skin of a dog. The device comprises means for removing (202, 302) dead hair from the skin of the dog and means for attaching (102, 204, 304) the device to a suctioning means. The means for removing dead hair comprises a base (206, 306) comprising an endless mat (208, 308) arranged to move along a first pre-determined trajectory (210), a gripping part (212, 312, 412) arranged to move along a second pre-determined trajectory (214, 232, 314, 414) and a removable means (104) for guiding hair of the dog between the base and the gripping part. The first pre-determined trajectory has a first portion (210A) that is parallel to a second portion (214A) of the second pre-determined trajectory. The means for removing dead hair further comprises means for adjusting (230, 330) the distance (Y) between the base and the gripping part along the first portion and the second portion.