Reflective Surface Curvature and Reflectivity for Uniform Optical Line Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaving and hair trimming devices face issues with poor image definition and focus, as well as non-uniform light intensity when projecting optical lines onto the skin, which can lead to reduced visibility and safety concerns due to varying light intensity along the projected line.
Innovation Solution
A shaving or hair trimming device with an optical element that converges light in one plane and diverges it in a perpendicular plane, using a reflective surface to create a focused and elongated image, and a light source integrated with the optical element to ensure consistent and safe light distribution, with optional features like a concave exit face and absorptive portions to enhance intensity uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the power of the light source is increased to achieve sufficient visibility in the parts of the line furthest from the light source, then the visibility of the elongate image is improved, but the intensity of the light in the parts closest to the light source becomes excessively high, causing potential irritation or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface is designed with varying reflectivity across different regions to create local quality differences. The surface has higher reflectivity in regions corresponding to the far end of the optical line and lower reflectivity near the light source, thereby equalizing the perceived intensity along the entire line length without requiring increased overall light power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the reflective surface by varying its reflectivity coefficient across different spatial locations. This parameter variation allows the system to redistribute light intensity along the projected line, achieving uniform visibility while preventing excessive intensity at any single point
2Device complexity
If a simple light source is used to project the optical line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image definition and focus deteriorate due to difficulty in collimating the light beam
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface is designed with specific curvature in one direction (meridional curvature) to focus the light beam and create a well-defined optical line. This curvature allows the system to achieve good image definition and focus without requiring complex collimating lenses or additional optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second dimension of control by varying the reflectivity of the surface in the tangential direction while maintaining curvature in the meridional direction. This dimensional approach allows independent control of line focus and intensity distribution, achieving sharp image definition without increasing device complexity
3Length of moving object
If the light beam is collimated to extend for significant length, then the elongate image can be projected, but the definition and focus of the line segment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface incorporates controlled curvature in the meridional plane to maintain beam focus over extended lengths. This curvature ensures that light rays remain convergent along the entire length of the projected line, preventing beam divergence and maintaining sharp definition even for long optical lines
Solution Approach 2:
The surface reflectivity is locally optimized at different positions along the optical line to maintain consistent intensity and focus. By adjusting the reflective properties at each location, the system compensates for natural beam spreading and maintains uniform line definition across the entire projected length
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 solution provides a more defined, focused, and uniformly intense optical image, improving user visibility and safety by maintaining consistent light intensity along the projected line while adhering to safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element for projecting an elongate optical image onto the skin of a user, the optical element comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect a beam of light emitted by a light source so that the beam of light converges in a first plane and diverges in a second plane
Data Source
AI summary
A device for projecting an elongate optical image (7) onto a surface (5) is disclosed. The device has an optical element (8) with a reflective surface (11) configured to reflect a beam of light emitted by a light source (9) so that the beam of light (12) converges in a first plane (X-Y) and diverges in a second plane (Y-Z), the first plane being at right angles to the second plane.