Electronic Alignment System for Hair Styling Comb
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hair styling combs lack a reliable means to indicate precise angles, leading to human error and difficulty in achieving symmetrical haircuts, as they do not provide exact readings or allow pre-selection of specific angles.
Innovation Solution
A hair styling device with an electronic-based alignment system that includes a housing with a user-actuated operational control and multi-color LED lights or an electronic screen to provide a human-perceivable indication of the angle, allowing the stylist to select and lock specific angles for consistent positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a bubble level is used to indicate comb position, then visual indication of angle is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient due to lack of exact readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with an electronic-based alignment system that uses electronic sensors, multi-color LED lights, and electronic screens to detect and display comb orientation angles. This substitution enables precise digital measurement and clear visual indication simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between information clarity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter representation from analog bubble position to digital angle values with specific degree measurements. The electronic system provides exact numerical readings (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) rather than approximate bubble positions, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining clear visual feedback through LED indicators and electronic displays.
2Loss of information
If a bubble level provides visual indication, then angle information is visible, but reliability is reduced due to human error in interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electronic feedback system where sensors continuously monitor comb orientation and provide real-time visual feedback through multi-color LED lights and electronic screens. The system compares actual comb position with desired target angles and provides immediate feedback, eliminating human interpretation errors and ensuring reliable, consistent angle readings throughout the haircutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic alignment system performs self-measurement and self-indication, automatically detecting comb orientation and displaying the correct angle without requiring the stylist to interpret bubble position. The system serves itself by providing objective, reliable angle data that eliminates human error in reading and interpretation.
3Device complexity
If no level indicator is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision is lost requiring stylist judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the comb device: cutting function, alignment sensing function, angle measurement function, and visual indication function. The electronic-based alignment system is built into the comb housing, allowing the same device to both cut hair and provide precise angle measurement and indication, thereby maintaining simplicity while adding measurement precision capabilities.
4Device complexity
If specific angles cannot be pre-selected, then device complexity is lower, but manufacturing precision is reduced due to inability to lock positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows stylists to pre-select and lock in desired target angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) before beginning the haircutting process. The electronic system stores these pre-selected angles and uses them as reference points during cutting, ensuring consistent angle positioning throughout the procedure. This preliminary action capability enables precise, repeatable angle positioning without excessive device complexity.
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 device reduces human error by providing precise angle indications, enabling stylists to achieve consistent and symmetrical haircuts with increased accuracy and ease.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic-based alignment means 16 for determining the angle of orientation of the attached housing 14
Implementation Method 2
multi-color LED lights or an electronic screen to provide a human-perceivable indication of the angle
Data Source
AI summary
A hair styling device for a hairstylist includes a housing configured to be attachable to a styling tool such as a comb, an electronic-based alignment means that determines the angle of orientation of the housing, and a user-actuated operational control for selecting the housing's desired angle of orientation. The electronic-based alignment means provides a human-perceivable indication of the angle of orientation and can be selectively locked to a desired angle. The electronic-based alignment means also selectively provides a human-perceivable indication when the housing is approaching and has arrived at the desired angle.