One-Piece Hair Dryer Diffuser with Convex Central Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair dryer diffusers are inefficient in uniformly distributing air, are costly due to material usage and assembly complexity, and are bulky, with most designs relying on two assembled parts that fail to provide homogeneous airflow.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece diffuser with a convex central part and cylindrical base, featuring a central axis with a fixing mechanism, inclined ring surfaces, and hollow fingers distributed in concentric circles for improved airflow distribution, manufactured through a single molding process to reduce material usage and assembly steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a diffuser is made of two molded parts assembled together, then it can provide structural support and airflow distribution, but it increases device complexity, material usage, and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural support and airflow distributionVSAvoidnumber of parts and assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the base and central section into a single molded part, eliminating the need for assembly between multiple components. This single-piece construction reduces device complexity while maintaining the structural support and airflow distribution functions through integrated design elements such as the convex central part and radially arranged openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a diffuser uses a single-piece construction, then it reduces assembly complexity and material usage, but it may compromise airflow distribution homogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stepsVSAvoidairflow distribution homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a convex central part with specific geometric properties that differ from the peripheral areas. This localized geometric modification directs airflow along the convex surface, ensuring homogeneous distribution across the diffuser opening while maintaining single-piece construction simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a convex central part with curved surfaces that guide airflow smoothly across the diffuser. This curvature design promotes laminar flow and homogeneous air distribution without requiring multiple assembled components, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and flow uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If a diffuser has a convex central part with curved surfaces, then it directs airflow homogeneously across the base, but it increases material usage compared to flat designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow distribution homogeneityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The convex central part uses curved surfaces to achieve homogeneous airflow distribution. While curvature does increase material usage compared to flat designs, the patent optimizes the geometry to minimize excess material while maintaining the flow-directing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If a diffuser includes multiple openings in the central part, then it allows airflow passage through the center, but it may create uneven flow distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow passage efficiencyVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strategically positions openings within the convex central part in an asymmetric arrangement that complements the curved surface geometry. This asymmetric placement, combined with the convex shape, guides airflow through the openings while maintaining overall flow homogeneity across the diffuser output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution provides a more uniform and efficient air distribution, reducing material costs and assembly complexity while ensuring a lighter and more effective diffuser design that maintains consistent heat across the hair drying surface.

Implementation Method 1

The airflow blown against this convex central base follows the convex line and is directed towards the central part of the base before traversing the entire base from its central part to its radial end. The flow is relatively laminar.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow: Laminar Flow

Implementation Method 2

the central part may include openings arranged between at least one ring, one surface of which is inclined in order to form a guide ramp capable of laterally guiding an airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow guidance:

Implementation Method 3

The cap may form a substantially hemispherical dome at its apex. The flow circulation is thus more laminar.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaminar flow circulation: Laminar Flow

Data Source

PatentEP2782471B1Integral diffuser for a hair-dryer
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 SEB SA
  • EP2782471B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2782471B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a hair dryer diffuser comprising a base (1) having a rear opening (2) intended to receive the inlet of an air flow and a front face intended to diffuse an outflow of air. The diffuser also comprises a central portion (14, 15) which extends forward from the base (1) and which has a cross-section that decreases or remains constant as it extends forward from the base, said central portion (14, 15) comprising openings through which part of the air flow can pass. The diffuser comprises fingers (6) that extend forward from the front face of the base (1), such as to come into contact with the hair being dried. The diffuser is characterised in that it is a one-piece diffuser. The invention also relates to a method for producing said diffuser.