Hair Cutting Appliance Detachable Interface Biasing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair cutting appliances are not well-suited for both shaving and trimming operations due to design limitations, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort, as they often require separate devices and complex operation modes, and suffer from wear and residue buildup.

Innovation Solution

A hair cutting appliance with a detachable interface featuring a receiving receptacle and connector plug that uses biasing units to achieve precise and secure attachment of the cutting unit, allowing for 'zero-tolerances' and easy replacement, thereby improving usability and cutting performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional combined shaving and trimming device with two separate cutting sections is used, then both shaving and trimming functions are provided, but the device becomes heavier and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving and trimming functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both shaving and trimming functions into a single cutting unit. The cutting unit includes a cutter blade for shaving and a comb with teeth for trimming, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate appliances or complex combined devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional combined shaving and trimming device with two separate cutting sections is used, then both shaving and trimming functions are provided, but the device requires costly manufacturing and assembling processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving and trimming functionsVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembling processes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shaving and trimming functions into a single integrated cutting unit rather than using two separate cutting sections. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing and assembling processes by reducing the number of components and their interconnections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If a detachable cutting unit with precise alignment is implemented, then mounting accuracy is improved, but the interface structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting accuracyVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-aligning features in the detachable interface where the cutting unit automatically positions itself relative to the appliance body during attachment. The comb teeth and cutter blade are designed to self-align with corresponding features, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables swift and accurate attachment of the cutting unit, reducing wear and residue issues, enhancing user experience and cutting performance by ensuring precise alignment and retention without significant assembly play.

Implementation Method 1

at least one biasing unit arranged in the at least one receiving socket underneath the receiving recess, wherein the at least one biasing unit comprises a first biasing element and a second biasing element opposing the first biasing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first biasing element and the second biasing element being laterally spaced with respect to each other, the first biasing element and the second biasing element being arranged to receive the engagement element of the connector plug in a biasing manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10226873B2Hair cutting appliance, receptacle and connector plug
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • US10226873B2 patent drawing
  • US10226873B2 patent drawing
  • US10226873B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hair cutting appliance includes a receiving receptacle for receiving a connector plug to detachably connect a cutting unit to a housing of the hair cutting appliance. The receiving receptacle includes a receiving socket having a receiving recess adapted to receive an engagement element of the connector plug, and a biasing unit arranged in the receiving socket underneath the receiving recess. The biasing unit includes first and second biasing elements laterally spaced with respect to each other and arranged to receive the engagement element of the connector plug. The first biasing element includes a retaining contact portion configured to define the receiving position of the engagement element in an insertion direction (Z). The second biasing element includes an alignment contact portion configured to define the receiving position of the engagement element in a longitudinal direction (X) and in a lateral direction (Y).