Detachable Cosmetic Robot End Effectors With Contact Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying eyelash extensions are labor-intensive and costly, requiring significant time and human expertise, and pose safety risks due to the need for complex and expensive robotic systems to ensure safety during human-robot interaction.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with inherently safe end effectors and release mechanisms, combined with safety barriers, allows for automated eyelash extension application without the need for expensive fail-safe mechanisms, ensuring safety through mechanical means and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive fail-safe robotic mechanisms and software are used to guarantee safety during human-robot interaction, then safety is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable end effectors that are inexpensive and can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive fail-safe mechanisms. The end effector includes a disposable needle assembly that can be replaced after a single use, ensuring safety without requiring complex redundant feedback systems or extensive software verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the safety function from the robotic system itself and places it in the disposable end effector. By incorporating safety features directly into the consumable component rather than the permanent robotic system, the patent achieves safety without increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If manual eyelash extension application is performed by beauty technicians, then safety and precision are maintained, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs the eyelash extension application autonomously without requiring manual manipulation by beauty technicians. The robot picks up extensions, applies adhesive, and attaches them to natural lashes automatically, eliminating the need for human hands to perform repetitive manual tasks while maintaining precision through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of human hands and tweezers with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic end effector uses precisely controlled mechanical movements to perform tasks that were previously done manually, significantly reducing time while maintaining or improving precision.
3Device complexity
If reusable robotic end effectors are used for cosmetic procedures, then system cost is reduced, but hygiene and safety risks increase due to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable end effectors that are discarded after a single use, eliminating cross-contamination risks between patients. The disposable nature ensures that no harmful factors are transferred from one patient to another, while the low cost of the disposable component makes this approach economically viable compared to expensive reusable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards the end effector after each use rather than attempting to sterilize and reuse it. This approach eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes and ensures complete hygiene, while the low cost of the disposable component makes the process economically efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for ensuring safe operation of a robot used for cosmetics applications, including the retrofitting of robots not originally design for such applications. The robot is used for the automatic placement of eyelash extensions onto the natural eyelashes of a subject. In some embodiments, a safety barrier is provided by a physical barrier or light curtain. In the invention, the robot uses an end effector which is configured to extend through the safety barrier and includes a release mechanism configured to readily release from the robot upon contacting the human subject, thereby preventing injury.