Shaving Device Orientation Sensor for Automated Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaving systems require manual operation for cleaning, which is inconvenient and increases complexity and cost due to the need for external pumping systems and electrical components in the cleaning device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an orientation sensor in the shaving device to automatically detect when it is in a cleaning position, allowing the motor to drive a mechanical pump in the cleaning device, eliminating the need for manual operation and electrical components in the cleaning unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an electric pump is used in the cleaning device to transport cleaning liquid, then the cleaning function is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to additional electric components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric pump system with a mechanical pump driven by the shaving device's existing motor. The motor couples to the pump mechanism through mechanical transmission when the shaving device is docked in the cleaning position, eliminating the need for separate electric pumping components in the cleaning device.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaving device's motor serves dual functions: it operates the shaving unit during normal use and drives the mechanical pump during cleaning mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated electric components in the cleaning device, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is required for cleaning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient manual pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the shaving device is docked in the cleaning position using an orientation sensor, and the motor automatically switches to drive the pump. This self-service operation eliminates the need for manual pumping while keeping the cleaning device mechanically simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation sensor provides feedback about the shaving device's position and orientation to the control system, which automatically initiates the cleaning cycle when the correct cleaning position is detected, enabling convenient automatic operation.
3Ease of operation
If sensors and electronics are added to the cleaning device for automated mode detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation sensor is placed in the shaving device rather than the cleaning device, acting as an intermediary that provides position information to the shaving device's control system. This allows the cleaning device to remain mechanically simple while still enabling automated operation through the shaving device's electronics.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaving system comprises a shaving device and a cleaning device. The shaving device has an orientation sensor for generating an output signal representing the orientation of the shaving device. The cleaning device supports the shaving device in a cleaning position with a predefined cleaning orientation. The cleaning device is controlled to operate according to a predefined cleaning program for cleaning the shaving unit when the orientation sensed by the orientation sensor corresponds to said predefined cleaning orientation. This shaving device thus makes use of an orientation sensor to identify when the shaving device is in a cleaning orientation. This gives a low cost sensing solution and enables a single user input button to be used for operating the shaving device and for starting a cleaning program.