Reciprocating Nozzle Array for Uniform Hair Coloring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home hair coloring processes are time-consuming, messy, and often result in uneven color coverage, lacking the efficiency and uniformity achieved by professional applications.
Innovation Solution
A hair coloring appliance featuring a reciprocating nozzle array with a static mixer and scotch yoke mechanism, combined with a collapsible reservoir system and filaments for precise color application, allowing for efficient distribution and mixing of coloring agents, addressing the issues of time, mess, and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If home hair coloring sets are used, then home users can color their hair, but the process takes a long time (50-70 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The hair coloring process is segmented into two distinct stages: roots treatment and ends treatment. The appliance is designed with a nozzle array that can selectively apply colorant to different sections of hair, allowing parallel processing of roots and ends, thereby reducing total application time while maintaining quality results.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance pre-mixes the colorant and developer in precise ratios before application, eliminating the need for manual mixing and setup time. The colorant is delivered ready-to-apply, reducing preparation time from 5 minutes to a fraction of that time.
2Productivity
If home hair coloring sets are used, then hair can be colored, but the process is messy and requires careful disposal of components
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance is designed as a self-contained system where the colorant is stored and dispensed within the device itself. The nozzle array and reservoir system are integrated into a single unit that requires minimal cleanup, as the colorant is delivered through a controlled mechanism rather than open containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance acts as an intermediary between the colorant and the user's hands, providing a controlled delivery system that prevents direct contact with messy components. The pump and nozzle system delivers precise amounts of colorant directly to the hair, eliminating the need for manual application with brushes or fingers.
3Productivity
If home hair coloring sets are used, then hair can be colored, but uniformity of color coverage is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is designed with nozzles of different sizes and configurations positioned at specific locations to address different hair sections. Larger nozzles are positioned for roots treatment while smaller nozzles are for ends treatment, ensuring optimal colorant delivery to each specific area of the hair.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle array is designed to move or oscillate during application, allowing the colorant to be distributed more evenly across the hair surface. This dynamic movement prevents pooling or uneven distribution that occurs with static application methods.
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 appliance significantly reduces application time, minimizes mess, and ensures uniform color coverage by using a reciprocating nozzle array with a static mixer and filaments, enhancing user experience and outcome.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the nozzle array is accomplished by means of a scotch yoke slot and pin arrangement 52, which in operation moves the nozzle array in a reciprocating manner, back and forth, over a selected distance
Implementation Method 2
The rotor pump moves the fluids to a fluid combiner 38 and then to a static mixer 40
Implementation Method 3
The rotor pump moves the fluids to a fluid combiner 38 and then to a static mixer 40, which in the embodiment shown are located outside of a nozzle assembly 42
Data Source
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AI summary
A hair coloring appliance includes a handle and a hair color delivery system (10) supported within the handle. A nozzle assembly (42) is adapted to receive hair color. The nozzle assembly includes a stationary frame (44) and a nozzle array (56) through which the hair color is delivered to the hair and a plurality of filaments (84) adjacent the nozzles (64) which are longer than the nozzles, acting as a stand-off between the nozzles and the scalp. A motor (30) reciprocates the nozzle array (56) back and forth as hair color moves through the nozzles (64).