Pivotable Shaver Head for Skin Contour Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric shavers face challenges in integrating non-cutting auxiliary functions like cooling and lubrication without compromising the kinematics of cutter elements, leading to complex structures and reduced adaptability to skin contours.

Innovation Solution

The electric shaver features a shaver head with cutter elements supported pivotably relative to auxiliary function elements about a pivot axis parallel to the cutter oscillation axis, allowing independent pivoting and self-adjustment to skin contours while maintaining a simple structure for auxiliary function elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If auxiliary function elements are integrated close to cutter elements in the shaver head, then space utilization is improved, but the kinematic freedom of cutter elements for skin contour adaptation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization in shaver headVSAvoidskin contour adaptation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shaver head is divided into functionally independent segments: the auxiliary function element is rigidly connected to the shaver housing while the cutter element is mounted on a pivotable shaver head carrier. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, enabling close spatial arrangement while maintaining full kinematic freedom for skin contour adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If auxiliary function elements are rigidly supported to apply higher pressure, then application effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication pressure of auxiliary functionVSAvoidshaver head structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary function element is merged with the shaver housing through rigid connection, eliminating the need for separate support structures and complex mounting mechanisms. This integration achieves both high application pressure and structural simplicity, as the housing itself provides the necessary rigid support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cutter elements are allowed to pivot freely for skin adaptation, then adaptability is improved, but the transmission architecture becomes more complex and power-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin contour adaptation capabilityVSAvoidtransmission architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex yielding coupling arms and oscillation bridge are extracted from the system. Instead, a simple pivot joint is used to connect the cutter element to the shaver head carrier, allowing free pivoting motion without requiring complex transmission mechanisms or power-consuming yielding structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the shaver head is made bulky to accommodate both cutter and auxiliary function elements with full movability, then functional independence is improved, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional independence of componentsVSAvoidshaver head volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The shaver head is segmented into a stationary auxiliary function element and a pivotable cutter element assembly. This segmentation allows compact arrangement of components while maintaining functional independence, as each element can be optimally positioned without requiring excessive space for movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3300863B1Electric shaver
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 BRAUN GMBH
  • EP3300863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3300863B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3300863B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4c

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electric shaver comprising a shaver housing, a shaver head including at least one cutter element drivable by a drive unit in an oscillating manner along a cutter oscillation axis and a non-cutting auxiliary function element for applying an auxiliary skin treatment other than hair cutting to a skin portion to be shaved, said auxiliary function element having an applicator head positioned aside the cutter element. The shaver head and/or the at least one cutter element is supported pivotably relative to the auxiliary function element at least about a pivot axis parallel to the cutter oscillation axis.