Parallel Jaw Clamping Mechanism for Hair Straightening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair straightening devices lack consistency and comfort due to variable user input, leading to uneven heating and pressure, which can cause discomfort and pain.

Innovation Solution

A portable, automatic hair straightening device with a clamping mechanism that applies uniform pressure and heat using a return member and a first jaw that moves between open and closed positions while remaining parallel, ensuring consistent results independent of user technique.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pressure and movement speed are used to straighten hair, then the device is simple to operate, but the results are inconsistent and vary significantly depending on user technique

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation simplicityVSAvoidstraightening result consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs the straightening action automatically without requiring manual pressure application or speed control from the user. The clamp moves along the hair strand autonomously, applying consistent pressure and heat, while the user simply guides the device through the hair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device maintains constant pressure and movement speed parameters throughout the straightening process. The clamp's automatic movement ensures uniform speed, while the heating element maintains consistent temperature, eliminating the variability inherent in manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If variable pressure is applied manually to different parts of the hair strand, then the device adapts to hair thickness, but some hairs receive excessive pressure causing discomfort and pain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure adaptation to hair thicknessVSAvoiddiscomfort and pain from excessive pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is designed with selective heating zones that apply heat locally to the hair strand. The clamp structure distributes pressure uniformly across the hair, with the heating element concentrating thermal energy where needed without increasing mechanical pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces manual mechanical pressure control with an automated system that uses heating to achieve straightening. The heat softens the hair structure, allowing straightening with minimal mechanical pressure, thereby eliminating discomfort from excessive force.

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

3Ease of operation

If the clamp moves at variable speeds manually, then the user can control the process, but the heating and pressure distribution becomes uneven across the hair strand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over processVSAvoiduniformity of heating and pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element operates continuously along the entire hair strand as the clamp moves through it. The automatic movement mechanism ensures continuous, uniform speed, maintaining constant heating and pressure application throughout the straightening process without interruption or variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 provides consistent, repeatable hair straightening with reduced user effort, minimizing discomfort by applying predetermined pressure and heat uniformly, regardless of hair thickness or positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a return member, in this case in the form of a spring (6), designed to apply a return force on the clamping device (3) so as to return the latter to the clamping configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

whose jaws are made up of heated plates. These known straightening irons allow the user to exert local pressure on a lock of hair by means of the clamp in question while heating the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3731693B1Hairstyling appliance having improved kinematics
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 SEB SA
  • EP3731693B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3731693B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3731693B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a hairstyling appliance (1) designed to be held and manipulated by hand and comprising at least one main body (2) that incorporates a clamping device (3) that changes between an introduction configuration and a configuration clamping a lock of hair, and also comprising a return member (6) for returning said clamping device (3) into the clamping configuration, said clamping device (3) for its part comprising at least one first jaw (4) mounted so as to be movable relative to said main body (2) between at least one open position and a closed position, said appliance (1) being characterized in that said first jaw (4) is designed to be moved between said open and closed positions while remaining parallel to itself.