Hair Trimmer Angular Orientation Sensor Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair cutting devices require significant user skill and accuracy to position correctly, often obstructing the view and leading to inaccuracies due to the device and user's hand movement.

Innovation Solution

A device with an angular orientation identifier and controller that adjusts its operation based on the angular orientation of the treating unit, allowing for precise positioning and operation without direct user view, using sensors and feedback modules for accurate alignment and orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the device is moved over and/or aligned with areas where hair is to be cut, then the treatment area can be covered, but the device and user's hand and arm may impede the user's view thereby making it difficult to position and orientate the device accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment area coverageVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through visual indicators (LED lights) that provide real-time information about the angular orientation of the treating unit. The level sensor detects the angle and triggers colored LED lights to indicate whether the device is correctly oriented, allowing users to position the device accurately without needing to see it directly, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the device is used to cut hair on a part of a user's body, then hair cutting function is provided, but significant skill is required to provide a presentable result and the accuracy of the treatment depends on the user's skill and steady hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehair cutting functionVSAvoiduser skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-positioning through the actuator that automatically adjusts the treating unit's angular orientation based on level sensor feedback. The system guides itself to the correct orientation without requiring user skill, eliminating the need for steady hands or training while maintaining hair cutting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The level sensor and LED indicator system provides continuous feedback to guide the user in positioning the device correctly. The visual feedback mechanism simplifies operation by showing when the correct angle is achieved, reducing the skill requirement for obtaining presentable results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the angular orientation of the treating unit is maintained while the handle is moved, then correct treatment orientation is preserved, but the device complexity increases due to addition of sensors and actuators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular orientation maintenanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system using level sensors and electronic actuators. The mechanical adjustment that previously required user skill is substituted with an electronic control system that automatically maintains the correct angular orientation, accepting increased device complexity for significantly improved precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3835011B1A device for treating a part of a body of a person to be treated
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3835011B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3835011B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3835011B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The present application relates to a device (10) for treating a part of a body of a person to be treated. The device has a treating unit (12), a handle (11), an actuator (15). The actuator being configured to move the treating unit (12) relative to the handle (11). The device further comprising an angular orientation identifier (40) to generate information indicative of the angular orientation of the treating unit (12). The angular orientation identifyer comprises an orientation sensor to generate information indicating the angular orientation with respect to the horizontal. A controller is configured to adjust the actuator to move the treating unit relative to the handle in response to information indicative of the angular orientation of the treating unit (12) provided by the angular orientation identifier (40). The present application also relates to a method of treating a part of a body of a person to be treated.