Motorized Personal Care Device with Pressure-Linked Operating Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of personal care devices face challenges in selecting the correct settings to achieve their desired treatment outcomes due to multiple adjustable parameters that interact to produce different results, making it difficult to perceive and adjust settings effectively.

Innovation Solution

A motorized personal care device with at least two operating modes that define different operating speeds and pressure ranges, utilizing a pressure sensor and analysis arrangement to determine if the applied pressure is within the optimal range for the selected mode, simplifying user experience by eliminating the need for manual adjustment of each parameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable parameters are provided to achieve different treatment outcomes, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment outcome varietyVSAvoidsettings selection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control component pre-configures optimal combinations of operating parameters (speed, pressure, duration) for different treatment outcomes before the user operates the device. Users simply select from pre-defined treatment modes rather than manually adjusting multiple parameters, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device integrates multiple functions (different speeds, pressure levels, treatment durations) into unified operating modes that can be selected through a single interface. This allows one device to provide diverse treatment outcomes while presenting a simplified user interface with fewer independent controls.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable parameters are provided to achieve different treatment outcomes, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment outcome varietyVSAvoidnumber of settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control component merges multiple independent parameters (motor speed, pressure sensor thresholds, treatment duration) into integrated operating modes. Instead of presenting users with separate controls for each parameter, the system combines them into unified treatment profiles that can be selected through a single interface element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Optimal parameter combinations are pre-calculated and stored in the control component before use. The device internally manages the complexity of coordinating multiple parameters by having pre-established treatment protocols, thereby reducing the apparent complexity presented to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensor and analysis arrangement are added to monitor applied pressure, then the measurement precision and treatment control are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplied pressure measurementVSAvoidsensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback to the control component about the applied pressure during treatment. The control component uses this feedback to automatically adjust motor speed or provide user feedback when optimal pressure is not achieved, creating a closed-loop control system that improves precision while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the pressure sensor data to automatically regulate its own operation. The control component monitors pressure and autonomously adjusts treatment parameters or alerts the user, reducing the need for complex manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies user experience by allowing selection of pre-defined operating modes that combine optimal speed and pressure settings, enhancing the likelihood of achieving desired treatment outcomes while reducing user complexity in setting adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor configured to measure an applied pressure with which the treatment component is held against the body part during the personal care treatment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP4559643A1Personal care device with motor speed related pressure analysis modes
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4559643A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4559643A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4559643A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motorised personal care device, configured for carrying out a personal care treatment by a user, is provided with at least two operating modes, wherein each operating mode defines an operating speed of a motor of the device and a pressure range used by a pressure analysis arrangement of the device, and wherein the at least two operating modes define different operating speeds and different pressure ranges.