Multi-Face Blowhead Layout for Intuitive Hair Styling Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair dryers require users to assemble/disassemble accessories or manipulate pre-mounted elements for airflow pattern changes, posing ergonomic and safety risks, and are not intuitive for users without professional hairstyling skills.

Innovation Solution

A portable hair styling device with two distinct air outlets on separate faces, allowing airflow to follow different paths for multiple modes, featuring a mechanical hair engagement element and a protruding nozzle for intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessories are used to modify airflow patterns, then airflow pattern versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to assembly/disassembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow pattern versatilityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple airflow pattern capabilities into a single integrated blower head by providing multiple air outlets (first air outlet, second air outlet, third air outlet) that can be selectively used. This merges the functionality of separate accessories into one unified device, allowing users to switch between different airflow patterns (concentrated, diffuse, directional) without assembly or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blower head is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions through its multiple air outlets. The first air outlet provides concentrated airflow, the second air outlet provides diffuse airflow, and the third air outlet provides directional airflow. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accessories while maintaining versatility.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If accessories are used to modify airflow patterns, then airflow pattern versatility is improved, but safety and ease of operation worsen due to burn risks and accessory loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow pattern versatilityVSAvoidburn risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all airflow modification capabilities into the permanent blower head structure, the patent eliminates detachable accessories that pose burn risks. Users cannot accidentally touch hot accessory surfaces or lose small components, as all air outlets are built into the main device body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If multiple air outlets are provided on different faces, then intuitiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveintuitivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of air outlets on different faces of the blower head. The first air outlet is on a first face, the second air outlet is on a second face, and the third air outlet is on a third face. This asymmetric arrangement on multiple faces makes the device highly intuitive - users can immediately identify which outlet to use based on the desired airflow direction, without adding significant structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4385357B1Multi-mode blow-out hairstyling device comprising a blowhead with a mechanical hair engagement element and a nozzle for blowing air
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SEB SA
  • EP4385357B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385357B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385357B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

- Multi-mode blow-drying hair styling device comprising a blow-drying head equipped with a mechanical hair engagement element and an air blow-dry nozzle - The invention relates to a hair styling device (1) comprising means for generating an airflow according to at least two different blow-drying modes, the device having a first face (4), which has a first air blow-dry outlet (1) for blowing the airflow in a first blow-drying mode, and a second face (5) having a second air blow-dry outlet (3) for blowing the airflow in a second blow-drying mode, the first face having a mechanical hair engagement element (16), the second face having a nozzle (17) which defines said second air blow-dry outlet and at least a portion of which protrudes from an external surface (5A) of the second face of the device. - Hair styling devices.