Shaving Unit Lighting Module for Skin Heating and Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers with infrared heating devices lack a visible indication of the heating effect, making it difficult for users to apply the shaver effectively.
Innovation Solution
A shaving unit for an electric shaver that incorporates a lighting module with infrared or near-infrared lighting elements and visible lighting elements. The lighting module includes a skin-facing light output surface made of optically transmissive material, thermally conductive pathways, and an optical arrangement to guide visible light and attenuate direct optical paths, providing a visible indication of the heating effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If infrared heating elements are used to provide heating effect, then skin heating and comfort are improved, but visible indication of heating effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines infrared heating elements with visible lighting elements in a single lighting module. The infrared elements provide thermal heating to the skin while the visible elements provide optical feedback to the user. Both types of lighting elements are mounted on the same PCB and positioned to work together, allowing the device to simultaneously deliver heating and visual information without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical arrangement as an intermediary system that includes a light guide and light attenuating elements. This optical arrangement mediates between the visible lighting elements and the skin-contact surface, directing the visible light to specific areas and controlling its distribution. The optical arrangement ensures that the visible indication is provided in the correct spatial location and with appropriate intensity, bridging the gap between the light source and the user's perception.
2Ease of operation
If visible lighting elements are added to indicate heating, then user guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a heating device (through infrared elements) and as an indication device (through visible elements). The same structural platform - the PCB and housing - supports both functions, eliminating the need for completely separate systems. This universal design approach allows the module to perform multiple tasks without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using light attenuating elements positioned at specific locations within the optical arrangement. These attenuating elements are strategically placed to control the distribution of visible light, ensuring that illumination is provided in the correct spatial regions corresponding to the heating areas. This localized control of optical properties allows precise guidance to the user without requiring complex overall system redesign.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical arrangement with light guide and attenuating elements is used, then visible light distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical arrangement is segmented into distinct functional components: a light guide element and separate light attenuating elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and optimized independently, then assembled together in the final lighting module. The light guide can be produced as a separate optical component, and the attenuating elements can be positioned as discrete features, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a monolithic optical system.
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 combined optical and conductive heating provided by the lighting module effectively warms the skin during shaving, while the visible light indication helps users apply the shaver correctly, enhancing shaving comfort and skin benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting module comprises one or more infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NIR) lighting elements... via which IR or NIR light generated by the IR or NIR lighting elements is exposed to skin during operation
Implementation Method 2
exposure of hairs to infrared light helps to soften the hairs... the infrared light may also stimulate blood circulation, and have a beneficial effect on the skin
Implementation Method 3
The IR or NIR lighting elements are arranged in thermally conductive contact with the light output surface via a thermally conductive pathway in the lighting module
Implementation Method 4
The lighting module further comprises one or more visible lighting elements for generating visible light in optical communication with the light output surface
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. At least one aspect of the invention related to an optical arrangement for processing a visible light output for modifying a visible light profile provided at a light output surface, the visible light for providing a visual indicator of activation of the lighting module.