Combined Blade Unit with Linkage Contour Following
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair cutting appliances require separate devices for trimming and shaving, with contour following mechanisms often not usable for both functions simultaneously, leading to bulky designs and cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
A combined processing head with a powered blade set and a pivotally supported razor blade, utilizing a linkage unit for contour following movements, allowing simultaneous operation of both blades for trimming and shaving without the need for grip changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for trimming and shaving, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and number of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a powered trimming blade set and a manual razor blade into a single processing head, allowing both trimming and shaving functions to be performed with one device. The trimming blade set includes teeth for cutting hair while the razor blade provides a sharp edge for closer shaving, integrating multiple functions into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing head is designed to perform multiple grooming functions - both powered trimming and manual shaving - through a single device. The blade assembly can operate in trimming mode using the powered blade set or in shaving mode using the razor blade, providing universal functionality for different hair removal needs.
2Reliability
If distinct positions are used for trimming blade set and razor blade, then each blade can be optimized for its function, but the device becomes bulky and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The trimming blade set and razor blade are positioned adjacent to each other within the same processing head, sharing a common mounting structure and contour following mechanism. This integration allows users to switch between trimming and shaving functions without changing grip or repositioning the device significantly, improving operational convenience.
3Reliability
If separate contour following mechanisms are used for trimming blade set and razor blade, then each blade can maintain skin contact independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single contour following mechanism is designed to support both the trimming blade set and the razor blade, allowing the entire blade assembly to pivot and adjust to skin contours. This unified mechanism maintains skin contact for both trimming and shaving operations, eliminating the need for separate adjustment systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If integral design of metal and non-metal parts is used, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but the achievable smoothness of shave may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary blade utilizes a double-walled structure where the top wall is made from sheet metal material to provide a thin, smooth surface for shaving, while the bottom wall provides structural support. This composite construction allows the blade to achieve both manufacturing efficiency through integral design and shave smoothness through the metal top wall surface.
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 a compact, easy-to-manufacture device capable of both trimming and wet shaving with smooth skin contact, allowing users to perform multiple grooming procedures without separate devices, maintaining contour following capability in both modes.
Implementation Method 1
a linkage unit enabling the blade set and the razor blade to be pivotally supported in a common pivot arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A processing head for a hair cutting appliance, the processing head comprising a powered blade set comprising a stationary blade and a movable blade, wherein the movable blade is arranged to be moved with respect to the stationary blade to cut hair between teeth of the movable blade and teeth of the stationary blade, a linkage unit supporting the powered blade set, wherein the linkage unit enables a contour following pivoting movement of the powered blade set when the appliance is operated to cut hair, and a razor cartridge that is arranged to be attached to the powered blade set in such a way that the powered blade set and the razor cartridge are pivotably supported by the linkage unit. Also, a combined blade unit and a hair cutting appliance that is equipped with a combined blade unit.