Hair Styling Device Angular Accelerometer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hairdressing devices with rotational mechanisms around an axis are difficult for users to operate intuitively, especially when both hands are occupied, as they require contact with the hair or complex switches for direction and speed control, which can be counter-intuitive for individuals without a clear view of the device.
Innovation Solution
A hairdressing device equipped with a motorized rotating part slaved to an angular accelerometer in the handle, which detects rotation pulses and transmits a signal to start the motor in the desired direction, allowing operation by a simple impulse without hair contact, using a switch to activate or deactivate the accelerometer and featuring a microcontroller to count signals and detect direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a switch is used to control the direction of rotation by keeping it pressed, then the device can control rotation direction, but the operation becomes counter-intuitive for individual users who cannot see the device clearly or have both hands occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch system with an angular accelerometer-based detection system. The accelerometer detects rotational impulses through inertial forces, automatically determining rotation direction without requiring manual switch manipulation. This substitution of mechanical control with inertial sensing resolves the contradiction by making operation intuitive (pushing the handle in the desired direction) while reducing the need for complex switch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own handle as the sensing element. When the user impulsively moves the handle in the desired rotation direction, the angular accelerometer detects this movement and automatically activates the motor in the corresponding direction. The system serves itself by converting the user's natural handling motion into the control signal, eliminating the need for separate control switches and making the device self-regulating based on user intent.
2Ease of operation
If a traction force detector is used to trigger rotation, then the device can be controlled, but it requires contact with and pulling on the hair which is not always practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traction force detection system with an angular accelerometer-based inertial detection system. Instead of requiring the user to pull on hair to trigger rotation, the accelerometer detects rotational impulses applied to the device handle through inertial forces. This substitution eliminates the need for hair contact while maintaining intuitive control, as users can simply impulse the handle in the desired direction without touching the hair.
3Speed
If the accelerometer is always active, then the device responds immediately to user impulses, but energy is consumed continuously even when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the angular accelerometer through a push-button switch. The accelerometer is activated only when the user presses the button, creating a periodic on-demand operation mode. This allows the device to maintain quick response capability when activated while consuming minimal energy when the accelerometer remains inactive, resolving the contradiction between immediate response and energy conservation during non-use periods.
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
Enables intuitive and hands-free operation of hairdressing devices like rotary brushes and curlers, allowing users to control the direction of rotation with a wrist impulse, improving usability and reducing the need for visual guidance during styling.
Implementation Method 1
an angular accelerometer located in said handle, said accelerometer detecting, in use, the rotation pulses given around the longitudinal axis of said handle
Implementation Method 2
a flywheel articulated freely on an axis of rotation; a transmitter and a pair of sensors connected to an electronic circuit comprising a microcontroller detecting, in use, the angle of rotation of the flywheel with respect to said sensors
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a hair-dressing device comprising a motor-driven rotary part (8) slaved to an angular accelerometer (1) arranged in said handle (7), said accelerometer (1) detecting, during use, the rotary pulses generated around the longitudinal shaft of said handle (7) and transmitting a signal for starting up the motor in the desired direction.