Arced Flexible Tines for Hair Detangling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detangling tools, such as combs and brushes, often damage hair or are ineffective in removing knots, while chemical solutions can be harsh and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A detangling device with a handle and arced tines that arc inwardly, providing flexibility and reduced resistance, allowing for efficient detangling of hair without breakage or irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid comb or hair pick with inflexible teeth is used to detangle fibers, then the comb structure is simple and durable, but it compacts the tangle and causes hair breakage and fraying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomb structure strengthVSAvoidhair breakage and fraying

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the comb teeth flexible rather than rigid. The teeth are designed to bend and flex during combing, allowing them to adapt to tangled hair without causing breakage. This is achieved through material selection and structural design that enables the teeth to deform elastically under stress while maintaining their integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical properties of the comb teeth, specifically their flexibility and spacing. The teeth are designed with varying flexibility parameters to handle different tangle severities, and the spacing between teeth is optimized to reduce compacting forces on the hair while maintaining effective detangling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If brush-like detanglers with thin bristles are used, then the device can work through tangled fibers, but the bristles are not substantial enough and are overly time consuming to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetangling effectivenessVSAvoidtime consuming to use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing comb teeth with non-uniform properties along their length. The teeth have varying thickness, flexibility, and curvature from base to tip, allowing different sections to perform specialized functions. This enables the comb to effectively penetrate and work through tangled fibers while maintaining substantial contact with the hair to reduce combing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If frequent use of brush-like detanglers is made, then detangling is achieved, but the bristles deform and become even more ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetangling frequencyVSAvoidbristle effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the comb teeth with pre-calculated flex characteristics that accommodate repeated use. The teeth are engineered to bend within safe limits during normal use, distributing stress to prevent permanent deformation. This cushioning effect allows the comb to maintain its detangling effectiveness even with frequent use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If chemicals are used to detangle and relax hair, then detangling is achieved, but the chemicals carry toxic smell and are harsh on fibers and skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetangling effectivenessVSAvoidtoxic smell and skin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing chemical detangling methods with a purely mechanical approach. The flexible comb teeth are designed to physically work through tangles using controlled bending and flexing motions, eliminating the need for chemical relaxers or detangling sprays. This mechanical solution provides effective detangling without toxic chemicals, unpleasant smells, or skin irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device effectively detangles hair with less resistance and breakage than current solutions, suitable for both wet and dry hair, and is quicker to use.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the plurality of tines is comprised of an arced flexible member... The arced flexible member has an elongated arced profile between the base and the tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10588392B2Fiber detangler

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 KNOTTY TAMER LLC

AI summary

The novel detangling innovations disclosed include a detangling device comprising a handle having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a plurality of arced tines. The plurality of arced tines are connected to the lower portion of the handle along a first periphery extending around the lower portion of the handle. The arced tines arc inwardly with respect to a center of the lower portion of the handle. An arced tine comprises an arced flexible member; a base situated at a proximal end of the arced flexible member, and a tip. The base is connected to the lower portion of the handle. The tip is situated at a distal end of the arced flexible member. The arced flexible member has an elongated arced profile between the base and the tip.