Movable Light Source in Shaver Trimmer Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair removal devices, such as shavers and epilators, require different illumination modes for various operation modes but lack adaptive lighting solutions that ensure optimal illumination and safety during use.

Innovation Solution

An electrically operable shaver with a movable light source integrated into the long-hair trimmer unit, allowing the light source to change position and intensity in conjunction with the trimmer unit's movement, providing adjustable illumination and preventing inadvertent eye illumination by angling the shaver head and controlling the light source's position and intensity based on the trimmer unit's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the light source is positioned to provide adequate illumination for hair removal, then illumination intensity is improved, but the risk of inadvertent eye illumination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoideye exposure to light
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is made movable relative to the shaver housing, allowing its position to be dynamically adjusted. When the trimmer unit extends, the light source moves to an extended position providing optimal illumination. When the trimmer unit retracts, the light source moves to a retracted position away from the user's face, preventing eye exposure. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between providing adequate illumination and preventing harmful eye exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the light source is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adapt illumination to different operation modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is integrated with the movable trimmer unit, combining two functions (hair trimming and illumination) into a single mechanical assembly. The trimmer unit's extension and retraction movements automatically drive the light source position changes, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms. This merging approach provides illumination adaptability across different operation modes while minimizing additional device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3354422B1Shaver with light source
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 BRAUN GMBH
  • EP3354422B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The present invention is concerned with an electrically operable shaver (1) with an elongate shaver housing (2) defining a longitudinal axis (I), at least one short-hair cutter unit (4), at least one long-hair trimmer unit (5; 6) disposed on the shaver housing (2) and at least one light source (7). The at least one light source (7) is movable substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (I) between a retracted position and an extended position.