Epilating Device Circumferential Clamp Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epilating devices require a large space for clamps and actuation mechanisms, leading to inefficient force transmission and difficulty in guiding hairs due to radial opening and closing of clamps.
Innovation Solution
The epilating device features clamps with a pivoting axis perpendicular to the skin contact surfaces, allowing for a V-shaped orientation in the open position and parallel orientation in the closed position, reducing axial space and improving force transmission, with an electrically driven actuation mechanism and multiple pairs of clamps on a drum or belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If clamps open and close in the radial direction of the drum, then the clamps can be actuated by a simple mechanism, but a relatively large space of the drum is required for accommodating the clamps and actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional radial opening/closing motion of clamps to a circumferential opening/closing motion. The clamps now open and close in the circumferential direction of the drum rather than radially, which fundamentally changes the space requirements and allows for a more compact drum design while maintaining simple actuation
2Ease of operation
If clamps open and close in the radial direction, then the clamps can be easily actuated, but force transmission for clamping hair is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the direction of clamp actuation from radial to circumferential. This inversion aligns the clamping force vector more directly with the hair being removed, improving force transmission efficiency while the lever mechanism maintains ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the curved, circumferential motion path of the clamps around the drum to optimize force application. The arc-shaped trajectory of the clamps during opening and closing allows for more effective force transmission along the curved surface of the skin, matching the natural geometry of hair growth
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamps open and close in the radial direction, then the clamps can be mounted on a rotating drum, but it is difficult to guide individual hairs between the open clamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the clamp motion from radial to circumferential, which creates a V-shaped opening that naturally guides hairs into the clamping zone. The circumferential motion allows hairs to be funneled along the curved surface into the open clamps, significantly improving hair guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric clamp positioning and orientation where the clamps are arranged to form a V-shape in the circumferential direction. This asymmetric configuration creates natural hair guidance paths that direct individual hairs into the clamping area, overcoming the guidance difficulties of symmetric radial arrangements
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
This design reduces skin irritation, enhances hair removal efficiency, and facilitates easier hair guidance between clamps, while maintaining a compact structure.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically driven actuation mechanism for driving the displaceable lever with respect to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An epilating device having a frame, a pair of clamping elements with a first clamp and a second clamp mounted in the frame, wherein each clamp has a skin contact surface facing towards the user's skin. The first clamp and the second clamp being inclined with respect to each other in the open position and being parallel to each other in the closed position.