Oscillating Exfoliating Brush Head With Variable Stiffness Tufts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing calluses and corns are time-consuming, laborious, and pose safety hazards, with existing automated solutions being inefficient and not effectively addressing the need for precise skin exfoliation.

Innovation Solution

An exfoliating brush head with a drive system that oscillates a combination of pliant and stiffer tufts, configured to apply a non-Newtonian fluid and exfoliate rough skin, providing improved control and precision for callus and corn removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional manual methods (pumice stone, callus plane) are used for callus removal, then the skin can be exfoliated, but the process is time-consuming, laborious, and poses safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecallus removal efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for pedicure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scraping with an automated oscillating brush system that mechanically exfoliates calluses through controlled oscillation, eliminating the need for manual pumice stones or callus planes while significantly reducing treatment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-administered pedicures through automated oscillating action, allowing users to treat their own feet without requiring professional technician assistance, thereby reducing both time cost and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If conventional automated rotary devices with sandpaper-like surfaces are used, then automation is achieved, but the devices are inefficient and do not effectively address precise skin exfoliation needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of callus removalVSAvoideffectiveness of skin exfoliation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters from continuous rotary motion to oscillating motion, and from abrasive sandpaper surfaces to structured brush tufts with varying stiffness, creating more effective shear forces for precise callus removal while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The brush head is segmented into multiple tuft groups with different stiffness characteristics, allowing different regions to perform different functions (softer tufts for general exfoliation, stiffer tufts for tougher calluses), thereby improving overall exfoliation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If stiffer bristles are used for exfoliation, then callus removal effectiveness increases, but the risk of skin damage and pain increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecallus removal effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of skin injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating zones of different bristle stiffness within the same brush head, with softer bristles in areas prone to sensitivity and stiffer bristles in areas requiring more aggressive exfoliation, optimizing both effectiveness and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating motion dynamically modulates the contact pressure and duration between bristles and skin, preventing excessive force application that could cause injury while maintaining effective exfoliation through repeated gentle cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables efficient and precise removal of dead skin with reduced manual effort and safety risks, using oscillating motion and tufts of varying stiffness to effectively treat rough skin areas.

Implementation Method 1

a drive system configurable to impart oscillating movement to the brush body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the second group of tufts is configured to exfoliate the areas of rough skin of a patient's epidermis when placed in contact therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the tufts of the first group are configured to apply a non-Newtonian fluid to areas of rough skin of a patient's epidermis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-Newtonian fluid behavior: Non-Newtonian Fluids

Data Source

PatentUS9107486B2Exfoliating brush head for a personal care appliance

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Exfoliating brush heads are disclosure for use with a personal care appliance. The personal care appliance is configured to oscillate the exfoliating brush head to provide improved smoothing and exfoliation of a patient's epidermis with or without the antecedent application of skin care formula. The oscillating action of the exfoliating brush head may be rotational, translational, or a combination thereof. In use, the personal care appliance oscillates the exfoliating brush head over a patient's skin in order to remove dead skin from the patient's epidermis. The exfoliating brush head may include first and second groups of tufts, wherein the first and second groups of tufts have different bristle heights and/or stiffness.