Shaving Unit Lighting Module Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electric shavers with integrated lighting modules face reliability issues due to the placement of electrically active components outside the main body casing, leading to potential moisture ingress and reduced long-term performance.
Innovation Solution
A shaving unit with a lighting module housing that includes a PCB with optically transmissive potting material encapsulating the lighting elements, providing both optical and conductive heating effects while protecting against moisture ingress and enhancing thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting module is integrated into the shaving unit with electrically active components outside the main body casing, then the heating function can be provided during shaving, but the reliability is reduced due to potential moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The shaving unit is divided into functionally independent modules: the shaving module with hair-cutting units and the lighting module with heating elements. Each module can be independently sealed and protected, allowing the lighting module to be integrated without compromising the overall reliability of the shaving unit through proper modular sealing design
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed cavity structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the lighting module's electrically active components and the external environment. This cavity with appropriate sealing elements prevents moisture ingress while allowing the heating function to operate effectively during shaving operations
2Ease of operation
If the lighting elements are exposed to the external environment, then the heating effect can be directly applied to skin, but the structural integrity is reduced due to moisture ingress risk
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting elements are nested within a sealed cavity structure that provides both optical transmission and environmental protection. The cavity allows light to pass through to the skin while maintaining a protective barrier against moisture, achieving both heating effectiveness and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity is equipped with sealed walls and membranes that are both structurally sound and optically transparent. These sealing structures maintain the integrity of the lighting module while allowing the heating function to operate, preventing moisture ingress without compromising the skin-heating capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting module is added to the shaving unit, then the heating function is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaving unit is divided into functionally independent modules: the shaving module with hair-cutting units and the lighting module with heating elements. Each module can be independently sealed and protected, allowing the lighting module to be integrated without compromising the overall reliability of the shaving unit through proper modular sealing design
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the hair-cutting units, houses the lighting module, and provides sealing interfaces for both modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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
The solution improves skin heating efficiency, enhances structural integrity, and extends the lifespan of the shaver by ensuring effective moisture protection and efficient heat transfer, thus addressing the reliability concerns of traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The cavity is covered on a skin-facing side of the lighting module housing by an upper wall of the lighting module housing. The upper wall of the lighting module housing is made from an optically transmissive material and comprises a skin-facing light output surface via which light generated by the lighting elements is exposed to skin during operation
Implementation Method 2
CN 108714917 A discloses an electric shaver comprising a shaving unit and a main body. The shaver is equipped with an infrared heating device... exposure of hairs to infrared light helps to soften the hairs
Implementation Method 3
A shaving unit with a lighting module housing that includes a PCB with optically transmissive potting material encapsulating the lighting elements, providing both optical and conductive heating effects
Data Source
AI summary
A shaving unit and/or electric shaver having a lighting module for providing an optical heating function at a skin-contacting surface of the shaving unit is disclosed. An encapsulation arrangement for components of the lighting module using a potting material is described. The potting material encapsulates, on both an upper and lower side, a carrier to one or more lighting elements are mounted.