Movable Shaver Light Source via Inductive Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair removal devices with integrated light sources face challenges in sealing and movement due to direct electrical connections, which complicates the design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An electrically operable shaver with a movable light source connected via wireless power transfer, using induction coils on flexible printed circuit boards, allowing for movement without direct wiring and improved sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a light source is directly connected to an energy source via wired connection, then power transfer is reliable, but the housing sealing becomes difficult and movement is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidhousing sealing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an inductive coupling system. The movable component contains a coil that wirelessly receives power from a coil in the stationary housing, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and complex sealing arrangements while maintaining reliable power transfer to the light source.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transfer. Instead of direct electrical contact, power is transmitted through inductive coupling between two coils, allowing the light source to be powered reliably while remaining movable without compromising housing sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a light source is directly connected to an energy source, then electrical connection is stable, but the light source cannot move freely relative to the housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoidlight source movability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection that constrains movement with an inductive coupling system. The movable component contains a coil that wirelessly receives power from a coil in the stationary housing, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and complex sealing arrangements while maintaining reliable power transfer to the light source.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electrical connection dynamic by using wireless inductive coupling instead of a fixed wired connection. This allows the light source to move freely relative to the housing while power transfer continues without interruption, as the inductive coupling maintains electrical connection stability throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless power transfer is used, then light source movement is flexible, but power transfer efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source movabilityVSAvoidpower transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an inductive coupling system. The movable component contains a coil that wirelessly receives power from a coil in the stationary housing, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and complex sealing arrangements while maintaining reliable power transfer to the light source.

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

Enables flexible movement of the light source relative to the housing, enhancing user experience with adjustable illumination and reducing mechanical constraints, while maintaining effective power transfer.

Implementation Method 1

The light source is indirectly connected to the energy source by means of at least one induction interface comprising a primary induction coil and a secondary induction coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3354425B1Shaver with light source
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 BRAUN GMBH
  • EP3354425B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3354425B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention is concerned with an electrically operable hair removing device, such as a shaver (1) comprising a housing (2), an energy source (9) located in the housing (2), at least one hair removal unit (4; 5; 6) and at least one electrically operated equipment, like a light source (7), which is movable relative to the housing (2). During its use, the at least one electrically operated equipment (7) is not directly connected to the energy source (9) located in the housing (2).