Clipper Comb Latch Curvature Induced Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comb attachment systems for hair or beard clippers require direct handling and significant effort to unlock, making them difficult to manage and potentially causing user injury.
Innovation Solution
A removable comb with an arc-shaped latch that increases curvature upon pressure application, allowing indirect unlocking without direct manipulation of the latch, using a one-piece design with lateral bearing surfaces and a protrusion for secure attachment to the clipper or adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible tab with hook is used to attach the comb to the clipper, then the comb can be securely locked onto the clipper, but the unlocking process requires direct handling of the tab which is difficult to access and requires significant effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary lever arm that connects the user's finger to the latch mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating the hard-to-reach tab, the user presses a more accessible lever arm that pivots about a fulcrum point, which in turn moves the latch to unlock the comb. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the user's input force and makes the unlocking operation easier and more accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed with an arc-shaped geometry that rotates about a fulcrum point. The arc shape allows the latch to follow a curved path during engagement and disengagement, providing mechanical advantage and smooth motion. This curved geometry transforms linear pressing motion into rotational motion, improving the ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If the latch is positioned to engage deeply with the clipper for secure locking, then the attachment strength increases, but the effort required to manipulate the latch increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The arc-shaped latch rotating about a fulcrum creates a lever arm effect where a small force applied at one end produces a larger force at the engagement point. The curved geometry allows deep engagement with the clipper while requiring minimal manipulation force, as the rotational motion about the fulcrum amplifies the user's input force.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch transitions from a static deeply-engaged position to a dynamic rotational motion about the fulcrum during unlocking. This dynamic movement allows the latch to maintain strong engagement during normal use while enabling easy release through rotational motion, reducing the force required for manipulation.
3Reliability
If the latch mechanism is designed for secure engagement, then the comb remains firmly attached during use, but the latch becomes difficult to access and manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the latch mechanism. The lever arm is positioned to be easily accessible to the user's finger, while its other end connects to the latch. This intermediary structure allows the user to operate the latch from a convenient position without needing to directly access the deeply positioned latch mechanism, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining firm attachment during use.
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
Enables easy and safe detachment of the comb from the clipper with minimal user effort, reducing the risk of injury and improving accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
whose curvature increases when pressure is applied to the sides of the arc, the increase in curvature of the arc causing the unlocking of the comb
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a removable comb (1) having a latch (5) enabling the comb (1) to be attached to clippers (6) during use, the latch (5) being positioned on an arch (3), the curvature of which increases when pressure is applied to the sides of the arch, the increase in curvature of the arch (3) leading to the unlatching of the comb (1).