Electric Shaver Rinse Opening Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers face challenges in efficiently cleaning the shaver head due to undesired splashing and misdirection of rinsing water, which complicates the cleaning process and may lead to hair dust deposits on the outer surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The electric shaver incorporates an automatic valve system with a funnel-like rinse opening structure that automatically opens and closes based on water pressure and velocity, along with a pair of rinse openings connected via a channel forming an hourglass contour, to enhance water flow and prevent splashing, while guiding water efficiently into the shaver head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rinse openings are provided with closing members (slidable lids or pivotable doors) to prevent hair dust escape, then hair dust containment is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The rinse opening is designed to automatically open when water is applied and automatically close when water stops, without requiring any manual operation or additional mechanical closing members. The opening itself serves as the closing mechanism through its geometric design that responds to water pressure, eliminating the need for separate lids or doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The rinse opening transitions from a closed state (when no water is applied) to an open state (when water is applied), and back to closed state (when water stops). This dynamic behavior allows the opening to adapt its state based on operational conditions, providing automatic control without additional mechanical components.
2Productivity
If rinse openings are made larger or more accessible to facilitate water entry, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but hair dust containment deteriorates due to increased risk of dust escape
Solution Approach 1:
The rinse opening dynamically changes its state based on water application: it remains closed during normal operation to contain hair dust, and automatically opens only when water is applied for cleaning. This eliminates the trade-off by having the opening be both small (for containment) and effectively large (for cleaning) at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is designed with geometric features that create preliminary resistance to water flow at low pressures, preventing accidental opening. Only when sufficient water pressure is applied (indicating intentional cleaning action) does the opening open, preventing premature or accidental hair dust escape.
3Productivity
If multiple rinse openings are provided to improve water distribution, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity and water loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single rinse opening is segmented into multiple functional zones or channels within its geometry, allowing water to be distributed to different areas of the shaver head through a single controlled entry point. This maintains comprehensive cleaning coverage while preventing water loss through a single controlled opening rather than multiple scattered openings.
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 easier and more efficient cleaning of the shaver head, reducing hair dust deposits on outer surfaces and improving the acoustic experience by amplifying the sound of the shaving process, while maintaining hair dust within the shaver head during use.
Implementation Method 1
such valve being adapted to automatically open when rinsing water enters into the rinse opening at a predetermined pressure and/or at a predetermined velocity
Implementation Method 2
such valve being adapted to automatically open when rinsing water enters into the rinse opening at a predetermined pressure and/or at a predetermined velocity
Implementation Method 3
said rinse opening forms a funnel-like inlet channel having a horn-shaped contour with a cross-section continuously and smoothly expanding towards the ambience of the shaver
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to cleaning and washing shavers with water or other fluids. More particularly, the present invention relates to electric shavers having a shaver head and at least one rinse opening for rinsing water through the interior of said shaver head.