Waterproof Cosmetic Device Head Recognition via Mechanical Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cosmetic devices with exchangeable heads are not protected against humidity, which can lead to misrecognition of the application head and damage to internal components during wet applications.
Innovation Solution
A cosmetic device with a water-tight design featuring mechanically actuated switches and a flexible actuation area that uses recognition generating protrusions to identify the application head without electric or electromagnetic coupling, ensuring reliable head recognition and protection from humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical sensors are used for head recognition, then head recognition function is achieved, but the device is not protected against humidity entering the interface
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the mechanical sensors and the external environment. This membrane allows mechanical actuation by the application head's recognition protrusions while blocking humidity and water from reaching the internal electronic components and circuit board, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining head recognition functionality and protecting against humidity damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (humidity) is extracted from reaching the internal components by creating a sealed compartment with the waterproof membrane. The membrane selectively permits mechanical interaction for head identification while excluding moisture, effectively separating the recognition function from the risk of humidity damage.
2Ease of operation
If electric or electromagnetic coupling is used between device body and application head, then communication and control are improved, but susceptibility to humidity and water damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric or electromagnetic coupling with a mechanical sensing system. Mechanical switches detect the presence and type of application head through physical contact via recognition protrusions, eliminating the need for electrical connections between the device body and application head. This substitution maintains operational control while providing inherent protection against humidity and water damage.
3Ease of operation
If the interface between device body and application head is open, then ease of head replacement is achieved, but protection against humidity and water is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof membrane (flexible thin film) is integrated into the device body at the interface location. This membrane maintains the open interface for easy head replacement while providing a barrier against humidity and water. The membrane flexes to accommodate mechanical actuation from recognition protrusions while preventing moisture ingress, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
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 solution provides reliable head recognition and protects internal components from humidity, enabling safe and effective operation in wet environments while preventing mechanical damage to the actuation area.
Implementation Method 1
one rigid element for each mechanical switch such that upon executing pressure onto the rigid element it is elastically moving towards one mechanical switch and switching on the mechanical switch
Implementation Method 2
A seal is advantageously disposed between the device body and the device cover, the seal being fixed in the device body and/or the device cover for water tightly closing the device body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5B
AI summary
A cosmetic device (1) with an exchangeable application head (9) and a device body (2) is disclosed, wherein the device body (2) contains a motor and drive mechanism (4), an actuating switch (5, 50), a power supply, a head recognition element (8) and a control element adapted to control the motor and drive mechanism (4) based on an actuation of the actuation switch (5) and the application head (9) recognized by the head recognition element (8). It is provided that the head recognition element (8) comprises at least one mechanical switch (11, 12, 13) disposed on a carrier (14) fixed at the device body (2). Further, a flexible actuation area (15) is disposed in front of the at least one mechanical switch (11, 12, 13). The exchangeable application head (9) has at least one recognition generating protrusion (31, 32, 33) actuating through the flexible actuation area (15) on one of the at least one mechanical switches (11, 12, 13) when the exchangeable application head (9) is mounted at the device body (2).