Shaving Apparatus Adjustable Setting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaving apparatuses face challenges in adjusting operational parameters, such as force and debris entry, due to cumbersome design elements like seams and switches, which complicate operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism allowing manual rotation of the second shaving unit portion relative to the first, utilizing a sensing unit with varying output properties based on angular position, adjusts operational parameters without additional seams or switches, maintaining a clean design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a flexible adjustment band with a tab is used to adjust the normal force of cutting units, then the maximum normal force can be adjusted, but the operation becomes clumsy requiring substantial force on a small operating member and precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adjustment tab and the resilient element. The tab engages with ratchet teeth on the resilient element, allowing unidirectional adjustment while eliminating the need for precise positioning and reducing operational force requirements through mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible adjustment band system is replaced with a ratchet-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on frictional resistance in a groove, the new system uses positive engagement through ratchet teeth, providing more efficient force transmission and easier operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tab engages the resilient element in a groove for adjustment, then the setting can be adjusted, but shaving debris can easily enter through the opening and cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the housing structure and integrated directly into the shaving unit assembly. The tab and ratchet mechanism are positioned within the shaving unit rather than requiring an opening in the housing, eliminating the debris entry pathway while preserving adjustment functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thumb wheel or sliding switch projects from an opening in the housing for parameter setting, then the operational parameter can be adjusted, but the shaver can be easily operated inadvertently and debris can enter through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is removed from the housing and integrated into the shaving unit. The tab projects from the shaving unit rather than the housing, eliminating openings in the housing that could allow inadvertent operation or debris entry while maintaining parameter adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is nested within the shaving unit structure. The tab is positioned within the context of the shaving unit assembly, allowing adjustment functionality to be embedded without creating external openings in the housing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a cylindrical portion of the housing is rotated relative to another part for setting cutting length, then the cutting length can be adjusted, but a seam is present requiring extensive slidable sealing to prevent hairs, liquid and dust entry
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the housing structure and relocated to the shaving unit. This eliminates the need for rotational seams in the housing, removing the requirement for complex slidable sealing mechanisms while preserving cutting length adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaving unit acts as an intermediary structure that carries the adjustment mechanism. Instead of rotating housing parts relative to each other, the adjustment is performed on the shaving unit itself, which then interfaces with the housing through a simple connection without requiring complex sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaving apparatus (1) having a first shaving unit portion (7) connected to a main housing (2) and accommodating a single driven input member (9) rotatable about an axis of rotation. A second shaving unit portion (8) of the shaving apparatus has a hair-cutting unit (12) and a drive unit (13) which transmits a driving force from the single driven input member to an internal cutting member (19) of the hair-cutting unit. The second shaving unit portion is manually rotatable relative to the first shaving unit portion about the axis of rotation of the single driven input member. An adjustment system (24) has a sensing unit (28, 29) configured to have an output property which varies with the angular position of the second shaving unit portion relative to the first shaving unit portion about the rotational axis. The adjustment system adjusts an operational parameter of the shaving apparatus in dependence on the output property of the sensing unit.