Pivoting Cutting Handle Layout for Better Clipper Operability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cutting devices, such as hair clippers, lack improved operability.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a main body comprising a first and a second main body portion connected via a coupling portion, where the second main body portion is elongated in a direction intersecting the first, allowing for improved grip and reduced overall length for enhanced usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the main body is made as a single elongated portion, then the structure is simple, but the operability is poor and the overall length is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main body is divided into a first main body portion and a second main body portion connected via a coupling portion. This segmentation allows the device to achieve improved operability through the ability to rotate or adjust the angle between portions, while maintaining relatively simple individual components that are easier to manufacture than a completely redesigning the entire structure as a single piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the second main body portion is elongated in the first direction, then the structure is simple, but the overall length increases causing contact with user's shoulder

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidoverall length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second main body portion is elongated in a second direction that intersects with the first direction (the blade direction). This dimensional change allows the device to achieve a more compact overall length in the first direction, preventing contact with the user's shoulder, while still providing sufficient structure for improved operability through the coupling portion connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the main body is divided into multiple portions, then the operability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip and handlingVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main body is divided into exactly two portions (first and second main body portions) connected by a coupling portion, providing the minimum necessary segmentation to improve grip and handling without creating excessive complexity. This limited segmentation allows users to grip different portions for different operating styles while keeping the number of parts manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portion provides rotational or angular adjustment capability between the first and second main body portions, allowing the device to adapt to different user preferences and operating conditions. This dynamic feature improves operability without requiring multiple discrete adjustable components.

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 design enhances operability by facilitating easier handling and reducing the risk of accidental contact with the user's shoulder during use, while maintaining a balanced weight distribution and allowing for various gripping positions.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling portion includes a pivot shaft configured to rotate the second main body portion relative to the first main body portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP4663358A1Cutting device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4663358A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663358A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663358A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a cutting device that allows the operability thereof to be further improved. The cutting device according to the present disclosure includes a main body (11) a blade part (45) attached to one end of the main body (11) in a first direction. The main body (11) includes a first main body portion (70) elongated in the first direction. The blade part (45) is attached to one end of the first main body (70) in the first direction. Further, at least one of the following requirement (A) or (B) is satisfied: (A) (i) the main body (11) comprises a second main body portion (80) configured to be connected to the other end of the first main body portion (70) in the first direction, (ii) the second main body portion (80) is connected to the first main body portion (70) via a coupling portion, and (iii) the coupling portion (9) includes a pivot shaft (92) configured to rotate the second main body portion (80) relative to the first main body portion (70), or (B) the main body (11) comprises a second main body portion (80) connected to the other end of the first main body portion (70) in the first direction in a state where the second main body portion (80) is elongated in a second direction which intersects the first direction.