Removable Depilator Massage Head with Reduction Gear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair removal devices face challenges in effectively combining high-speed hair removal with exfoliation and massage functions, leading to potential skin irritation and inadequate ergonomics for applying necessary pressure.

Innovation Solution

A removable mechanical body care accessory with a flared body for full-hand grip and a reduction gear system that drives a rotary treatment tool at lower speeds, suitable for exfoliation and massage, while the hair removal device operates at higher speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the epilation head rotates at high speed (greater than 1000 rpm) for effective hair removal, then hair gripping and uprooting effectiveness is improved, but the oscillation speed of the exfoliation accessory becomes too high causing premature skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehair removal effectivenessVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a hair removal head with high-speed rotation for effective epilation, and a separate exfoliation accessory with independent low-speed oscillation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal speed without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between high-speed hair removal and low-speed exfoliation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible coupling element acts as an intermediary between the exfoliation accessory and the epilation head, transmitting motion while allowing independent speed control. This intermediary mechanism enables the exfoliation accessory to oscillate at low speed while the epilation head rotates at high speed, eliminating skin irritation caused by high-speed exfoliation oscillation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device body is designed for fingertip gripping to allow dexterity in hair removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to apply sufficient pressure for effective exfoliation and massage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedexterityVSAvoidpressing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an extendable arm that projects from the main body, creating an additional dimension for pressure application. This extendable arm can be positioned to contact the skin and transmit force during exfoliation and massage operations, allowing sufficient pressure to be applied without compromising the fingertip-gripping design for dexterity during hair removal.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into a handheld portion for dexterous operation and a separate extendable arm for pressure application. The extendable arm can be extended during exfoliation and massage operations to provide the necessary pressing force, and retracted during hair removal operations to maintain ease of manipulation, thus resolving the contradiction between dexterity and pressure application capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the same device is used for both hair removal and exfoliation/massage, then versatility is improved, but the operating speed requirements for each function cannot be reconciled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidoperating speed compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates variable speed control mechanisms that allow different operational modes: high-speed rotation for hair removal and low-speed oscillation for exfoliation and massage. The motor system can dynamically adjust its operating speed based on the selected function, enabling the same device to perform all three functions (hair removal, exfoliation, massage) with appropriate speed parameters for each, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and speed compatibility.

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

This solution allows for effective hair removal, exfoliation, and massage with reduced skin irritation and improved ergonomics, enabling the application of necessary pressure without excessive fatigue or noise.

Implementation Method 1

a drive system for the treatment head comprising a reduction gear train which comprises an input pinion intended to cooperate with an output pinion of the motor housing and which is adapted to drive the care tool at a rotational speed lower than that of the output pinion of the motor housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear reduction: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2433520B1Depilator with removable massage head
Publication Date: 2014.08.27 SEB SA
  • EP2433520B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2433520B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2433520B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The accessory (A) has a body that widens from an adaptation leg on a motor case (M) of a shaving and/or epilation apparatus, to a grooming head. The head ensures treatment of skin by rubbing and/or massaging using a rotative grooming tool. A grooming head driving system includes a reduction gear train that is provided with an inlet pinion engaged with an outlet pinion of the case. The grooming head drives the grooming tool at a rotational speed lower than that of the outlet pinion. An independent claim is also included for a corporal grooming assembly comprising a motor case and a removable epilation accessory and removable cutting assembly.