Body Care Device With Deflection Sensor for Automatic Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing body care devices, such as wet razors, lack comfort and efficiency in handling and often require manual switching, which can lead to inconsistent vibration speed and potential water leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

A body care device with a handle and treatment head connected via a flexible zone, equipped with a deflection sensor that generates an electric signal for automatic switching and force-dependent vibration adjustment, eliminating the need for manual operation and preventing water leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual switching is used to control the vibrating element, then the device structure remains simple, but water leakage may occur and switching convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater leakage preventionVSAvoidswitching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical switching mechanism with an automatic sensor-based switching system. The deflection sensor detects when the treatment head is pressed against the skin and automatically activates the vibrating element, eliminating the need for manual switches and reducing water leakage risks associated with mechanical switch components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically detects user intent through the deflection sensor and activates the vibrating element without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and making appropriate adjustments, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed vibration speed is used, then the device structure remains simple, but comfort and adaptability to different users are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration speed adaptationVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the deflection sensor continuously monitors the pressure applied by the treatment head and adjusts the vibration speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the device to adapt to different users and application conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration speed is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to change in response to user input and operational conditions. The control system adjusts the vibration parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback, enhancing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the treatment head is rigidly connected to the handle, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and ability to follow skin contours are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling comfortVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the treatment head and handle is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing the treatment head to deflect and follow skin contours during use. This dynamic connection maintains structural integrity while significantly improving handling comfort and adaptability to body surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible connection structure that allows the treatment head to move independently relative to the handle. This flexible linkage enables the treatment head to conform to skin contours while maintaining a stable overall device structure, improving ease of operation without compromising structural stability.

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 device provides enhanced comfort and efficiency by automatically adjusting vibration speed based on applied force, indicating when to change the razor cartridge and preventing water ingress, thus improving user experience and device performance.

Implementation Method 1

The treatment head 12 can be deflected elastically with respect to the handle 14 because of a flexible zone 18

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deflection: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a deflection sensor (54), which is capable of generating an electric signal as a function of this elastic deflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor signal generation: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9126346B2Body care device
Publication Date: 2015.09.08 EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE BRANDS LLC
  • US9126346B2 patent drawing
  • US9126346B2 patent drawing
  • US9126346B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The inventive body care device having a handle and a treatment head, which is hingedly connected mechanically therewith, has a flexible zone for enabling an elastic deflection of the treatment head with respect to the handle and a deflection sensor, which is capable of generating an electric signal as a function of the elastic deflection. This signal can be used to control an automatic start and/or stop function, a use counter and/or operating states of an electric vibrational element integrated in the body care device.