Tri-Row Parasite Removal Comb with Variable Tooth Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combs for removing lice, nits, and fleas from hair or fur are inefficient due to limitations in design, such as restricted length for curved surfaces, inability to be used effectively perpendicular to the scalp, and lack of bidirectional use, which hinders effective parasite removal and hair smoothing.
Innovation Solution
A comb with a handle and three parallel rows of teeth, where the central row is more densely spaced than the outer rows, allowing for bidirectional use and optimized spacing for trapping parasites, with rounded tips and varying diameters for enhanced effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fine toothed comb is used for removing lice, nits and fleas, then the spacing between teeth provides a barrier to parasites, but the comb cannot be effectively used perpendicular to the scalp and is restricted in length for curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The comb is divided into multiple rows of teeth with different spacing patterns. The first row has widely spaced teeth for coarse combing and larger parasites, while the second row has closely spaced teeth for fine combing and smaller parasites like nits. This segmentation allows the comb to maintain effectiveness across different parasite sizes and scalp curvatures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the comb have different tooth spacing characteristics optimized for specific functions. The first row targets larger parasites with wider spacing, while the second row targets smaller parasites with closer spacing. This local optimization enables the comb to effectively address multiple parasite types and sizes simultaneously.
2Productivity
If a comb with two rows of teeth of different lengths is used, then coarse and fine combing can be done in one motion, but the comb cannot be effectively used perpendicular to the scalp
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using teeth of different lengths in the same row, the invention segments the comb into two separate rows, each with uniformly spaced teeth of the same length. This allows the comb to be used perpendicular to the scalp while still providing both coarse and fine combing capabilities through the different spacing patterns of the two rows.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than varying tooth length within a row to achieve multi-functionality, the invention inverts the approach by varying tooth spacing between rows while keeping all teeth of uniform length. This inversion maintains proper comb orientation perpendicular to the scalp while achieving the desired multi-functional capability.
3Ease of operation
If tapering teeth are used to facilitate acute angle combing, then the comb can be used at an acute angle to the scalp, but a uniform barrier is not presented to parasites
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating uniform spacing within each row rather than using tapering teeth. Each row maintains consistent tooth spacing throughout its length, ensuring a uniform barrier against parasites. The different spacing between rows provides the necessary functionality for both coarse and fine combing without compromising barrier uniformity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the spacing of one row is an integer multiple of the other row, then teeth can be aligned with spaces between teeth, but the spacing may not be optimized for both large fleas and smaller nits
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes each row's spacing independently for its specific function: the first row has wider spacing optimized for larger parasites like fleas and lice, while the second row has closer spacing optimized for smaller parasites like nits and lice eggs. This local optimization ensures both rows are tuned for their respective target parasite sizes rather than being constrained by integer multiple relationships.
Data Source
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AI summary
A comb (100) includes a spine (4) and, extending from the spine in adjacent, substantially parallel planes, a first outer row of teeth (31), a central row of teeth (33) and a second outer row of teeth (32) opposed to the first outer row of teeth. The teeth (10) of the first and second outer rows of teeth and of the central row of teeth are substantially a same length. Spacing of the teeth of the central row (33) is different from spacing of the teeth of the first and second outer rows (31, 32) with the spacing of the teeth being arranged for the removal of head lice and/or nits and/or head lice eggs and/or fleas from combed hair or fur.