Massage Apparatus with Sensor-Based Head Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin massage devices lack the ability to adapt to different types of massage heads, leading to suboptimal performance and user experience, as they do not efficiently recognize and adjust to the unique characteristics of various massage elements.

Innovation Solution

A skin massage device with a modular design that includes recognition means such as mechanical, magnetic, or optical sensors to detect the type of massage head assembled, allowing for adaptive control of motorization and wave emission systems, and a cosmetic product distribution system, enabling optimal operation and user customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the massage device uses a fixed motorization system without recognition means, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different types of massage heads, leading to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different massage headsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through recognition means (mechanical sensors, magnetic sensors, or optical sensors) that detect the type of massage head assembled on the body. This feedback enables the control means to automatically adapt the motorization system parameters (speed, power) to match the specific massage head characteristics, resolving the contradiction by adding adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated sensor-based recognition and electronic control. Instead of requiring mechanical matching or manual setup for different massage heads, the system uses non-contact or minimal-contact sensors to identify the massage head type and automatically adjusts operational parameters, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing adaptability

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

2Ease of operation

If the device adds recognition means and control means to detect and adapt to different massage heads, then the performance and user experience are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic recognition and adaptation. The control means automatically detect the massage head type using integrated sensors and adjust operational parameters without user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex user interfaces, enhancing ease of operation while the automation manages the added complexity internally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal system where a single massage device body can accommodate multiple types of massage heads through standardized assembly means combined with automatic recognition. The control means serve multiple functions: detecting massage head type, selecting appropriate operational parameters, and coordinating wave emission systems and cosmetic product distribution, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality

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

3Reliability

If the device uses mechanical sensors for recognition, then the assembly detection is reliable, but the sensors may interfere with the massage head assembly or require precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent offers magnetic sensors and optical sensors as alternatives to mechanical sensors. These non-contact or minimal-contact sensing methods eliminate the need for precise mechanical alignment and avoid interference with the massage head assembly. The magnetic and optical fields can detect massage head presence and type without physical contact, maintaining recognition reliability while significantly easing assembly procedures

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

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 device ensures optimal performance by adapting to different massage heads, enhancing user experience through customizable speed, wave emission, and product distribution, ensuring proper assembly and effective skin treatment.

Implementation Method 1

the recognition means are magnetic sensors arranged on the at least one type of massage head and the body and, configured to transmit information to the means of order depending on the type of massage head assembled on the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2735296B2Massage apparatus provided with interchangeable massage heads
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SEB SA
  • EP2735296B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2735296B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2735296B2 patent drawingFigure 4~28

AI summary

The device (1) has body (2) provided with a motor (3), and massage heads (4-6) including massage elements, where a transmission mechanism allows the massage elements to be activated by the motor. An installation mechanism (9) is provided for the installation and removal of the massage heads with the body. A massage head recognition unit is installed on the body, where a command box controls the massage device based on the recognition of the type of massage head by the massage head recognition unit.