Comb Sensor with Bend Sensors for Combing Resistance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing comb sensors lack sensitivity and provide inadequate detailed measurement results for assessing combing resistance variations across different locations of hair, particularly for damaged or curled keratinaceous fibers.
Innovation Solution
A comb sensor design featuring a comb or brush with bend sensors located on its teeth to measure bending, combined with orientation and location sensors, which enhances sensitivity by localizing strain detection and accounting for comb orientation and location changes during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are used in bridge circuit (prior art), then combing force can be measured, but sensitivity is insufficient and detailed measurement results are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple independent bend sensors placed on different teeth of the comb. Each sensor independently measures bending at its specific location, providing segmented measurement data that collectively offers detailed sensitivity across the entire combing process, resolving the limitation of insufficient sensitivity in prior art while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring only the aggregate combing force (one-dimensional measurement) to measuring bending at multiple discrete locations on different teeth (multi-dimensional measurement). This dimensional expansion allows detection of variations in combing resistance across different spatial positions, significantly improving measurement precision and sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges attached to comb are used, then combing force measurement is achieved, but variations of combing resistance at different locations of hair cannot be sensed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple bend sensors on different teeth of the comb, creating segmented measurement zones along the combing path. This segmentation enables detection of spatial variations in combing resistance at different hair locations, providing detailed measurement information that was impossible with single-point strain gauge measurements, while maintaining ease of operation through a comb structure that requires no special handling
Solution Approach 2:
The comb structure itself serves as the measurement platform, with bend sensors integrated directly onto the teeth. The comb naturally interacts with hair during normal combing operations, and the sensors automatically detect bending variations without requiring additional operational steps or complex positioning, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving detailed spatial measurement
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 enhanced sensor system provides improved sensitivity and detailed measurement results, allowing for more accurate assessment of combing resistance and hair condition, including damage detection and fiber quality variability.
Implementation Method 1
a bend sensor located on at least one of the teeth, to measure the bending of the one of the teeth
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a comb sensor for measuring combing resistance, wherein the comb sensor comprises: a comb or brush comprising a handle, a head connected to the handle, and teeth connected to the head; and a bend sensor located on at least one of the teeth, to measure the bending of the one of the teeth. The present invention provides improved sensitivity and/or detailed measurement result.