Rotatable Personal Hygiene Tool Head With Sliding Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal hygiene tools lack the ability to adjust the orientation of the tool head to accommodate different user preferences and tasks, leading to suboptimal ergonomics and stability.
Innovation Solution
A personal hygiene tool with a rotatable tool head attachment featuring a latching mechanism that allows the tool head to be rotated relative to the handle, utilizing a sliding latch, resiliently deformable element, and actuators to control the latch's position, enabling multiple fixed positions for enhanced comfort and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool head is fixed at a single angle to the handle, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the tool cannot adapt to different user preferences and tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head attachment is made dynamically adjustable through a rotatable connection with a latching mechanism. The tool head can be rotated to different angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) and locked into position using the sliding latch that engages with recesses in the handle. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by allowing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity through discrete positioning options.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is segmented into discrete components: a sliding latch, multiple recesses positioned at different angles, resiliently deformable elements, and actuators. This segmentation allows the complex function of angle adjustment to be achieved through simple, modular parts that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall device complexity while enabling adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a latching mechanism with multiple components is used to enable rotation, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into single components to reduce overall complexity. The sliding latch simultaneously performs locking, positioning, and actuation functions. The resiliently deformable element combines spring loading with positioning guidance. The actuator integrates button operation with camming surface mechanics. This merging approach maintains adaptability while minimizing the number of separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism incorporates self-servicing features: the resiliently deformable element automatically returns the sliding latch to its engaged position after actuation, and the camming surface automatically guides the latch through the disengagement and re-engagement cycle during rotation. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional control components and simplifies the overall mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the sliding latch is made easily movable for rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of locking decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable element is pre-loaded to automatically urge the sliding latch toward the engaged position before any rotation occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the latch is always ready to lock into the recesses, providing reliable engagement while requiring minimal user force to initiate rotation. The pre-compressed spring stores energy that automatically secures the latch in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The interaction between the sliding latch and recesses employs asymmetric geometry: the latch has a camming surface that easily rides over the recess edge during insertion, but the recess geometry and latch shape create a mechanical interference that prevents accidental disengagement. This asymmetric design allows easy rotation in one direction while maintaining secure locking, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
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 rotatable tool head attachment improves ergonomics and usability by allowing the tool to be positioned optimally for various tasks, enhancing user comfort and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable element arranged to urge the sliding latch towards the extended position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A personal hygiene tool comprises a handle extending along a first axis and comprising an opening formed at a first end, where a plurality of recesses are formed within the opening; and a tool head attachment at least partially retained within the opening and rotatable with respect to the handle around a second axis; wherein the tool head attachment comprises a latching mechanism comprising: a sliding latch slideable between an extended position where the sliding latch protrudes into one of the plurality of recesses and a retracted position where the sliding latch is disengaged from the recesses; a resiliently deformable element arranged to urge the sliding latch towards the extended position; and a first actuator configured to urge the sliding latch towards the retracted position against the resiliently deformable element.