Wet Shaver Hair-Cut Detection from Acceleration Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and measuring hair cutting events during use of a hair removal device, especially a wet shaver, are inefficient and require multiple sensors, which are expensive and take up extra space.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single acceleration and/or rotation sensor to detect hair cutting events by measuring deceleration and/or rotation patterns caused by hair cutting, and analyzing the sensor signal to extract useful information about the cutting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transducers or sensors are used to measure hair cutting events, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single acceleration sensor to perform multiple functions: detecting hair cutting events, measuring shaving depth, determining shaving direction, and monitoring razor movement. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors (microphone for acoustic detection, strain gauge for force measurement), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors into a single acceleration sensor system. By combining hair cutting detection, depth measurement, and movement tracking into one sensor platform, the patent eliminates the need for separate transducers, reducing both device complexity and spatial requirements while preserving measurement precision through sophisticated signal processing
2Measurement precision
If multiple transducers or sensors are used to measure hair cutting events, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by implementing a single acceleration sensor that performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously. This eliminates the need to manufacture, source, and integrate multiple expensive specialized sensors (microphones, strain gauges), thereby significantly reducing bill of materials costs and assembly complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a relatively inexpensive acceleration sensor that can be easily integrated into the razor handle or cutting unit. This single sensor approach is more cost-effective than deploying multiple durable specialized sensors, reducing both component costs and assembly costs while providing sufficient measurement precision for hair cutting detection
3Measurement precision
If multiple transducers or sensors are used to measure hair cutting events, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device volume by consolidating multiple sensor functions into a single acceleration sensor platform. This eliminates the need for separate microphone capsules, strain gauge mounting spaces, and associated signal conditioning circuits, thereby significantly reducing the overall volume occupied by the sensing system while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the spatial requirements of multiple sensors into a single compact acceleration sensor package. By combining hair cutting detection, depth measurement, and movement tracking functions into one sensor location, the patent minimizes the volume required for the sensing system while preserving all necessary measurement precision
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
Efficiently detects hair cutting events with a single sensor, reducing costs and space requirements while providing insights into hair cutting rates, hair density, and other parameters.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an acceleration and/or rotation sensor signal caused by a cut hair and by detecting a specific shape or pattern of said sensor signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting hair cutting events during use of a wet shaver by measuring an acceleration and/or rotation sensor signal caused by a cut hair and by detecting a specific shape or pattern of said sensor signal, and to a wet shaver performing this method.