Shaving Device Elastic Hinge Fluid Channel Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaving devices require a pump to control the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the treatment device, which can lead to clogging and inefficient fluid delivery during shaving.

Innovation Solution

A shaving device with a fluid channel that is elastically deformable, connected to an elastic hinge allowing the treatment device to pivot and control the passage size, eliminating the need for a pump by using a spring-loaded mechanism to open and close the fluid channel based on user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pump is used to control fluid flow from the reservoir to the treatment device, then fluid delivery can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and clogging occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid delivery controlVSAvoidpump mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the pump mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using a pump to control fluid flow, the patent uses a simple elastic hinge mechanism that opens or closes a fluid channel passage based on the relative position of the handle and treatment device, thereby extracting the problematic pump component while maintaining fluid delivery control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic hinge mechanism automatically controls the fluid channel opening and closing based on the mechanical connection between the handle and treatment device. When the treatment device is pressed against the skin, the hinge naturally opens the passage; when released, it naturally closes the passage, eliminating the need for external power or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If a pump is used to transport fluid, then fluid can be delivered to the outlet opening, but clogging of the fluid channel occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid deliveryVSAvoidclogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a dynamic elastic hinge mechanism that allows the fluid channel passage to flexibly open and close. This dynamic structure prevents fluid stagnation and reduces clogging by ensuring continuous movement and pressure changes in the fluid channel, unlike static pump-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the treatment device is always in contact with the skin, then shaving can continue, but fluid will continuously flow causing waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving continuityVSAvoidfluid waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic hinge mechanism provides mechanical feedback between the treatment device and handle. When the treatment device is pressed against the skin, the hinge automatically opens the fluid passage to deliver fluid; when released, it automatically closes the passage to stop fluid flow, creating a feedback-based control system that prevents waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables easy control of fluid flow, reduces clogging, and allows for adjustable fluid delivery, ensuring efficient application during shaving without the need for a pump.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the fluid channel is elastically deformable from a closed position, in which a passage through the fluid channel is closed off, to an opened position, in which the passage through the fluid channel is opened, by pivoting the handle with respect to the treatment device from a rest position to an activated position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2512762B2A shaving device
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2512762B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP2512762B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4C

AI summary

A shaving device (1, 21) comprises a handle (2) provided with a reservoir (6) for holding a fluid, a treatment device (4, 24) provided with at least one shaver element (5), which treatment device (4, 24) is pivotable with respect to the handle (2), and a fluid channel (7) extending from the reservoir (6) to an outlet opening (8, 28) at least near the treatment device (4, 24). At least a part of the fluid channel (7) is elastically deformable from a closed position, in which the passage through the fluid channel (7) is closed off, to an opened position, in which the passage through the fluid channel (7) is opened by pivoting the handle (2) with respect to the treatment device (4, 24) from a rest position to an activated position, and vice versa.