Programmable Hair Trimmer with Electromagnetic Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair trimming devices are unable to achieve smooth fading between different hair lengths and provide a repeatable end result, limiting their use to short and even length haircuts, and are impractical for trimming around the ears and neck area.

Innovation Solution

A programmable hair trimming system that uses an electromagnetic tracking system to detect the position of the trimming device relative to the head, adjusting the trimming length dynamically based on pre-programmed data to ensure a pre-programmed and repeatable length-fading result, allowing for precise 3D positioning and automatic length adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manually adjustable comb units are used to control trimming distance, then basic length control is achieved, but smooth fading between different hair lengths cannot be created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrimming length precisionVSAvoidhairstyle variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the comb unit automatically adjustable through a motor-driven mechanism. The comb position is dynamically changed based on real-time detection of the trimming device's position on the head, enabling smooth transitions between different hair lengths and creating fading effects that were impossible with static comb units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses electromagnetic tracking to detect the position of the trimming device on the head and feeds this information back to automatically adjust the comb unit position. This feedback loop enables precise control of trimming length and allows the system to adapt to different hairstyles and head positions, resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple length settings are applied with manual adjustment, then different hair lengths can be trimmed, but a repeatable end result cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelength setting optionsVSAvoidresult repeatability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic tracking system continuously monitors the position of the trimming device and provides feedback to the control system. This ensures that the same position always results in the same comb adjustment, making the trimming process repeatable and reliable across multiple uses and different operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the comb unit with an automated motor-driven system controlled by electromagnetic tracking data. This substitution eliminates human error and variability in manual adjustment, ensuring consistent and repeatable trimming results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If fixed comb units are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the devices are limited to short and even length haircuts only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomb unit structureVSAvoidhairstyle range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The comb unit transitions from a fixed, static structure to a dynamic, motor-adjustable mechanism. This allows the comb to move automatically to different positions based on the trimming device's location on the head, enabling a wide range of hairstyles including fades, tapers, and custom length variations while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If manual comb adjustment is required, then basic functionality is sufficient, but trimming around ears and neck area becomes impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidarea coverage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of the comb unit based on automatic detection of the trimming device position. The motor-driven mechanism independently adjusts the comb position without requiring manual intervention, enabling precise trimming in difficult-to-reach areas like around the ears and neck while keeping the operation simple for the user.

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

Enables a wider range of hairstyles with pre-programmed and repeatable length-fading results, allowing users to perform hair trimming with precision and ease, even around the ears and neck, while maintaining user convenience and hygiene.

Implementation Method 1

detect, by means of an electromagnetic tracking system, the position of a hair trimming device in relation to a client's head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11213964B2Programmable hair trimming system

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A hair trimming device arranged to detect positions of the hair trimming device in relation to a client's head and to adjust its trimming length automatically and dynamically according to preprogrammed values at any given point during a hair trimming session.