Dielectrically Impeded Discharge Comb for Scalp Parasite Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for generating dielectrically impeded electrical discharges to kill parasites like hair lice are inefficient due to sensitive insulation that loses its insulating function upon impact, and are not effective near the scalp where hair lice prefer to reside.

Innovation Solution

A device with metal electrode bodies coupled to an AC high-voltage source, featuring minimal spacing and V-shaped alignment at distal ends to focus discharges, and capacitive coupling to limit discharge energy, ensuring effective parasite killing without irritating the scalp.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dielectric insulation is made thick to protect against impact damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and comb functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation durabilityVSAvoidtine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the dielectric insulation material from the tines entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused the contradiction. Instead of protecting against impact by making insulation thicker, the solution eliminates the insulation layer and relies on the inherent properties of the conductive tines with dielectrically impeded electrical discharges to achieve both durability and comb functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If electrical discharges are focused near the scalp to kill parasites, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors to the scalp increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasite killing efficiencyVSAvoidscalp irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters by using dielectrically impeded electrical discharges with specific energy limitations. This allows the electrical discharges to be focused near the scalp for effective parasite killing while controlling the energy levels to prevent harmful effects on the scalp tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts potentially harmful high-energy electrical discharges into beneficial low-energy dielectrically impeded discharges. By limiting the energy of the electrical discharges, the harmful effect is transformed into a controlled therapeutic effect that kills parasites without damaging scalp tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If tines are made narrow for good comb functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of insulation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomb functionalityVSAvoidinsulation function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the dielectric insulation from the tines, eliminating the reliability problem associated with thin insulation on narrow tines. The conductive tines without insulation maintain narrow dimensions for good comb functionality while the dielectrically impeded electrical discharges provide the necessary protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2713807B1Device for producing electrical discharges of low energy, in particular in order to fight hair lice

Publication Date: 2016.08.10 HOCHSCHULE FUR ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFT & KUNST HILDESHEIM HOLZMINDEN GOTTINGEN

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

In a device (10) for producing dielectrically impeded electrical discharges (20), comprising a high alternating voltage source (4) having a plurality of first extended electrode bodies (1) made of metal and coupled to a first output (3) of the high alternating voltage source (4) and having a plurality of second extended electrode bodies (16) made of metal and coupled to a second output (5) of the high alternating voltage source (4), distances between the first electrode bodies (1) and the second electrode bodies (16) at distal ends (12, 17) of the electrode bodies (1, 16) are minimal.