Multi-Bowl Hair Color Mixing Device with Integrated Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mixing and timing hair colorants in professional salons are inefficient, particularly when dealing with multiple colors and clients, as they require manual mixing and tracking of multiple cups, leading to potential errors and confusion.
Innovation Solution
A reusable multi-bowl device with a central timer mechanism, erasable tabs for labeling, and semi-circular feet for stability, allowing for organized mixing and timing of multiple colorants, preventing sliding and enabling easy identification of the active bowl.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cups are used for mixing different colorants, then the ability to handle multiple colors and clients simultaneously is improved, but the complexity of tracking and managing multiple cups increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mixing cups into a single integrated device with multiple bowls arranged on a common base. This merging eliminates the need to track and manage multiple separate cups, as all bowls are permanently attached and can be identified through labels and positioning, thus reducing management complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple colorants simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-bowl device serves multiple functions within a single unit: it can mix different colorants simultaneously, track timing for each bowl using the integrated timer, and provide organized storage for multiple formulations. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate cups and external timing devices, simplifying the overall system
2Device complexity
If manual timing methods are used for colorant mixing, then the simplicity of the device is maintained, but the accuracy and reliability of timing multiple colorants simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism is integrated directly into the base of the multi-bowl device, combining the timing function with the mixing bowls. This integration ensures that timing is accurately tracked for each bowl without requiring separate external timing devices, improving reliability while maintaining device simplicity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The timer provides visual feedback through indicators that show which bowl is currently timing and when the timing is complete. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate timing for multiple colorants by providing clear, real-time information about the status of each timing cycle, preventing errors and ensuring consistent results
3Stability of the object's composition
If a stable base is provided for the mixing device, then the prevention of sliding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-slip feet specifically at the contact points between the device base and the surface it rests on. This localized application of friction-enhancing features provides stable prevention of sliding without requiring the entire device structure to be complex, maintaining simplicity while achieving the desired stability
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 enables quick, organized, and error-free mixing and timing of multiple hair colorants, improving efficiency and reducing confusion in busy salon environments by providing a stable and reusable system for mixing and tracking colorant formulations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of semi-circular feet each corresponding to one of said bowls and located at undersides thereof, said feet formed of a material sufficient to provide a contact surface having a coefficient of friction substantially precluding sliding of said device when placed upon any surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device having multiple bowls for mixing colorants. The device includes lateral tabs adjacent each bowl for erasably labeling the tabs with the identification of the contents of the corresponding bowl. A centrally located timer mechanism is provided to time the colorant mixture setting times and a marker ring is rotatably provided around the timer mechanism to selectively indicate the bowl in use and being timed.