Shaver Head Hinge Mechanism for Contour Following

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric shavers struggle to follow large contour variations in user skin without requiring users to twist their wrists or arms, making it difficult for users to achieve accurate and comfortable shaving, especially along predetermined lines like a beard or moustache.

Innovation Solution

The shaver head is equipped with a hinge allowing it to pivot around a single axis perpendicular to the rotary cutter units' rotation axes, combined with biasing and damping means for smooth motion, enabling the shaver to follow large contours without straining the user's wrist and allowing for precise adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shaver head is supported on a central pivot point allowing swivelling in every direction, then the shaver can follow large contour variations, but it becomes difficult to accurately shave along a predetermined line or contour

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontour following capabilityVSAvoidshaving accuracy along predetermined line

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the adjustment mechanism into two independent segments: a hinge mechanism for pivot movement around a vertical axis to follow large contour variations, and individual adjustable mounts for each rotary cutter unit to handle local orientation adjustments. This segmentation allows the shaver head to independently control global positioning and local alignment, resolving the contradiction between contour following and shaving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutter units are adjustably mounted in the bracket with one or more degrees of freedom, then the cutter units can conform to the contour of the user's skin, but the user must manually adapt the orientation of the shaver head which requires coordination, agility and flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin contour adaptationVSAvoiduser effort for head orientation adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic automatic adjustment of the shaver head orientation through pivot movement around a vertical axis. This dynamic mechanism automatically adapts to large contour variations without requiring manual intervention, while the individually adjustable cutter units handle local skin variations. This combination reduces the user's manual adjustment effort significantly while maintaining high adaptability to skin contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the cutter units are adjustably mounted to follow skin contours, then close contact with the skin is achieved, but the required manoeuvres may be physically straining especially for the user's wrist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact quality with skinVSAvoidphysical strain on user's wrist

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a hinge mechanism as an intermediary between the user's hand and the cutter units. This hinge automatically absorbs and compensates for large wrist movements and contour variations through its pivot capability, reducing the physical strain on the user's wrist. The individually adjustable cutter units maintain close skin contact without requiring the user to perform straining manual adjustment manoeuvres.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design allows for improved contour following and accurate shaving without user strain, providing a comfortable and close shave by allowing the shaver head to pivot around a central axis, reducing wrist movement and enhancing ergonomic design.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing means can for instance comprise a series of resilient elements, for instance springs or components made of natural or synthetic rubber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The shaver head may furthermore be provided with damping means, designed to dampen pivotal motions of the bracket and prevent sudden movements thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9180598B2Shaver with hinge between housing and shaver head

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The invention relates to a shaver including a housing and a shaver head. This head includes a bracket, holding a plurality of rotary cutter units, each rotatable around a respective rotation axis. The shaver head also includes a hinge, which is positioned such that during use the bracket can pivot freely with regard to the housing, around a pivot axis that extends substantially perpendicular to the axes of the cutter units.