Automatic Steam Hair Styling Device with Peristaltic Pump Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam hairdressing devices lack responsive steam flow control, fail to detect reservoir emptiness, and require manual activation, leading to delayed vapor formation and user confusion.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automatic steam hair styling device with a control unit that automatically actuates a peristaltic pump to fill the vaporization chamber transparently, detects temperature changes to ensure fluid arrival, and adjusts steam flow based on a reference duration to prevent vacuum operation, ensuring continuous and responsive steam delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation of the pump is used, then the user can control steam application, but the pump takes several seconds to prime and deliver steam
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is activated automatically at the beginning of the heating phase, before the user needs to use the device. This preliminary action primes the pump and ensures fluid is ready in the vaporization chamber, eliminating the several-second delay that would occur with manual actuation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the pump is activated manually, then steam flow can be controlled by user timing, but the steam flow cannot be stopped or regulated correctly
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects when the treatment plate is in the closed position (contact with hair) and automatically activates the pump. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable steam delivery exactly when needed, replacing manual timing control with automated sensing that provides both reliability and appropriate timing.
3Temperature
If the device heats up before use, then the heating elements are ready, but no steam is delivered until the user closes the device
Solution Approach 1:
During the heating phase before the device is used, the pump is automatically activated to prime the system and deliver fluid to the vaporization chamber. This preliminary action ensures that when the user first closes the device, steam is immediately available without delay, maintaining both heating readiness and steam responsiveness.
4Loss of time
If automatic pump activation is implemented, then steam is delivered quickly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical actuation of the pump is replaced with an automated control system that uses a simple sensor to detect when the treatment plate is closed. This substitution eliminates complex manual timing mechanisms while providing automatic, responsive steam delivery through electronic control.
5Reliability
If the pump operates continuously, then steam flow is constant, but the pump may lose its prime in low-frequency usage
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated at the beginning of each heating cycle and when the treatment plate is closed. This periodic operation maintains steam flow consistency when needed while preventing the pump from losing its prime during low-frequency usage periods.
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 provides a constant, responsive steam flow, detects reservoir emptiness, and ensures quick readiness for use, offering a user-friendly, efficient, and safe operation in hot environments with reduced mechanical stress and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit (13) notably comprises a memory, a timer or counter. The device comprises a first and a second jaw (2, 3) arranged facing each other... the fluid flow adjustment means comprising an electric pump or a valve, preferably peristaltic (6)
Implementation Method 2
The heating element(s) (8) of the vaporization chamber can be a thermistor, for example a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) or a ceramic
Implementation Method 3
fluid vaporization means (7)... The chamber or chambers are made of aluminum, may include steam distribution orifices (16), and be pressed against the heating element (8)
Implementation Method 4
The means of detecting a change in the temperature (12) of the vaporization chamber can be a means of measuring the temperature. This can take the form of a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor type temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a steam hair styling device (1) comprising: - a fluid reservoir (19); - a fluid vaporization chamber (7) with at least one fluid inlet (15) and at least one steam outlet (16) for the hair, - a heating means (8) for heating the vaporization chamber (7), - a fluid transport pipe (23) between the reservoir (19) and the inlet (15) of the vaporization chamber, - fluid flow control means (6) active on the pipe (23); - a control unit (13) for controlling at least the fluid flow control means (6); - the control unit (13) having means for actuating, at the end of the preheating of the vaporization chamber (7), the fluid flow control means (6).