Resonator-Based Attachment Head Detection for Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal care devices like electric toothbrushes and shavers experience reduced performance and generate unwanted noise and vibrations when the attachment head is removed, as the system is no longer fine-tuned, affecting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A drivetrain assembly with a resonator and drive coil that detects the installation or removal of the attachment head by generating a signal based on the movement of the resonator, allowing the device to adjust its operation and potentially self-tune when a new attachment is installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the attachment head is removed for cleaning or replacement, then the device structure becomes simpler and easier to maintain, but the system generates unwanted noise and vibrations and loses performance reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The drivetrain assembly includes a signal generator that detects whether an attachment is installed and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts device operation based on this feedback, reducing noise and vibrations when no attachment is detected, thereby maintaining performance reliability while allowing easy attachment removal for maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the attachment status. When an attachment is detected, the system operates in normal mode; when no attachment is detected, the system automatically modifies its operation to reduce noise and vibrations, transitioning between different operational states to maintain reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment head is removed, then the device allows for attachment replacement and cleaning, but the resonator is no longer fine-tuned and generates additional sounds and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator continuously monitors attachment presence and provides real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts device operation to minimize noise and vibrations generated by the resonator when no attachment is installed, while still allowing easy attachment replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the attachment detection function from the main device structure by using a separate signal generator that detects attachment presence through electrical signals. This extracted detection mechanism allows the device to identify when an attachment is removed and respond accordingly, reducing harmful noise and vibrations while maintaining attachment versatility
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 effectively reduces unwanted noise and vibrations by modifying the device's operation based on the attachment status and enables self-tuning when a new attachment is installed, enhancing user experience and performance reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the magnets on the resonator creates an electromotive force in the driving coil, which is detected by the drivetrain assembly and interpreted as attachment installation or removal
Data Source
AI summary
A drivetrain assembly (100, 200) for a personal care device (10), the drivetrain assembly including a resonator (110) connected to a transmission component (24) configured to transmit oscillations to the removable attachment; and a drive coil (120) configured to oscillate the resonator in a first direction; where the drive coil is configured to generate an installation or removal signal in response to installation or removal of the removable attachment, the installation or removal of the removable attachment generating movement of the resonator in a second direction; and where the drivetrain assembly is configured to communicate the generated signal to a controller.