Lice Comb Fan Module Rotatable Teeth

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lice combs with suction mechanisms are not optimized for efficient capture and disposal of lice, often resulting in inefficient operation and potential accidental damage to comb teeth.

Innovation Solution

A lice comb design featuring a main housing with a fan unit, a rotatable comb module with adjustable teeth orientation, and a filter bag system that allows for easy disposal of captured lice without direct contact, enhancing capture efficiency and reducing accidental damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suction mechanism is used to capture lice, then lice can be captured and disposed of, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to operate efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelice capture efficiencyVSAvoidcomb structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The comb is divided into distinct functional modules: a combing section with teeth for capturing lice, a suction section with an impeller for removing lice, and a collection chamber for disposal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the combing function and suction function into a single integrated device. The teeth of the comb work in conjunction with the suction ports to capture and remove lice in one continuous action, eliminating the need for separate combing and disposal steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the comb teeth are fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the teeth are vulnerable to accidental damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomb teeth durabilityVSAvoidcomb module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The comb module is designed to be rotatable relative to the main housing, allowing the teeth to be positioned at different angles. This dynamic positioning protects the teeth from damage by allowing them to be retracted or angled away from potential impact zones while maintaining combing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation of the comb teeth can be varied by rotating the comb module to different angular positions. This parameter change allows optimization of both protection and functionality - the teeth can be positioned to minimize exposure to damage while maintaining their combing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the filter bag is permanently fixed in the housing, then the structure is simple, but replacement and disposal of captured lice is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter bag replacement easeVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter bag is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently accessed and replaced. The housing includes a dedicated opening or access point that allows the filter bag to be removed and replaced without disassembling the entire device, facilitating easy disposal of captured lice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter bag is designed for easy removal and replacement. Once filled with captured lice, the entire filter bag can be removed from the housing and disposed of, and a fresh filter bag can be inserted without complex procedures, enabling efficient recovery and continued use of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If air flow is directed directly through the teeth, then lice capture is effective, but the teeth are exposed to potential damage from debris

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelice capture efficiencyVSAvoidcomb teeth damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protective structures such as shields or covers that position themselves between the suction airflow and the comb teeth. These intermediary elements deflect debris and reduce direct impact on the teeth while maintaining the effectiveness of lice capture through the airflow pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design improves the capture and disposal efficiency of lice by ensuring air flow across the teeth and easy replacement of filter bags, reducing operator contact with lice and minimizing comb damage.

Implementation Method 1

a fan unit having an impeller provided within the main housing to draw air in through the first aperture and expel air outwardly through the second aperture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpeller: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

Lice combs incorporating suction to capture lice are known

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3474698B1Lice comb
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 MAOR MOSHE
  • EP3474698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3474698B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3474698B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lice comb comprising a main housing including a first aperture at a first end thereof and a second aperture at a second end thereof. A fan unit draw airs in through the first aperture and expels air outwardly through the second aperture. A comb module is rotatably secured to a comb support unit adjacent a first end of the main housing. The comb module comprises a comb body and a tine module having a plurality of teeth. The comb body includes a channel extending from a first longitudinal side adjacent the tine module to a second longitudinal side thereof and a tine slot is located adjacent the first end of the channel to receive the tine module such that air drawn in through the channel passes across a first surface of the teeth.