Two-Cone Collet Hair Extraction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting follicular cells from hair, whether invasive or non-invasive, face challenges such as infection risk, scarring, hair rupture, inefficiency in obtaining sufficient cells, and difficulty in manipulating the extracted hair for further processing, particularly due to the lack of devices that can selectively grasp and hold the hair without causing rupture and enable easy manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using a double-cone collet extraction device with a vacuum system that grips the hair between two dovetailed cones, minimizing the risk of rupture by distributing pressure evenly and allowing for efficient extraction and preservation of the hair root with follicular cells, which can then be manipulated further.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If classical metal tweezers and forceps are used for hair extraction, then the extraction process is simple, but the risk of hair rupture increases at the weakened grip area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible rubber grip element that conforms to the hair shaft, distributing pressure evenly along the grip area. This flexible material prevents stress concentration that would cause hair rupture, while still providing sufficient friction to securely hold the hair during extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the grip surface by using a rubber material with specific elasticity and friction properties. This allows the grip to adapt to different hair diameters and strengths, optimizing the pressure distribution to prevent rupture while maintaining secure holding.
2Productivity
If cosmetic extraction devices are used for surface depilation, then the extraction speed is fast, but the amount of follicular cells obtained is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the grip element with varying local properties - a broader contact area for securing the hair shaft and a tapered transition zone that gently guides the hair root. This localized quality distribution ensures both fast extraction and complete preservation of follicular cells at the root area.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device incorporates a dynamic gripping mechanism that can adjust its pressure distribution during the extraction process. The flexible rubber grip deforms dynamically to accommodate the hair's movement, maintaining secure holding throughout the extraction while preventing damage to the follicular cells.
3Quantity of substance
If invasive tissue excision is performed around the hair root, then follicular cells can be obtained, but infection risk and permanent scarring occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical excision system with a non-invasive friction-based gripping system. The rubber grip element uses friction and elastic deformation to secure and extract the hair, eliminating the need for cutting or excising tissue, thereby preventing infection and scarring while still obtaining follicular cells.
4Device complexity
If extracted hair is released immediately after extraction, then the extraction process is simple, but subsequent manipulation of the biological material becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction function with the holding function in a single integrated device. The rubber grip element continues to hold the hair securely after extraction, allowing the same device to be used for both extraction and subsequent manipulation, transport, and processing of the biological material without requiring transfer to another container.
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 enables efficient, rapid extraction of a sufficient amount of follicular cells with minimized risk of hair rupture, allowing for effective use in biotechnological research and forensic applications while preserving the hair root for further manipulation and processing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hair is sucked in from a skin sampling point by the help of vacuum led from the body of an extraction device into an interspace of a two-cone collet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A method of an extraction of follicular cells which is based on a principle of a hair (4) extraction from a skin (5) of mammals by the help of an extraction device, when during the extraction remains preserved also the root part (41) of the hair (4) surrounded by follicular cells, where the essence of the invention is that at least one hair (4) from a sampling point of the skin (5) is sucked in by the help of vacuum which is led form a body (1) of the extraction device into an interspace (23) of a two-cone collet (2) fixed partly to the body (1) and partly to an arbor (3) where is subsequently by the interspace (23) closing between its inner cone (21) and an outer cone (22) by the help of a counter pressure of the arbor (3) this hair (4) grasped and after it extracted from the skin (5). The extracting device for an extraction of follicular cells consists of the hollow two surface collet (2) formed by the inner cone (21) and the outer cone (22) and of the hollow body (1) which is equipped partly with in a forward direction positioned hollow nozzle (13), partly with a connector (16) for supply of vacuum and partly is in it embedded the sliding arbor (3) whereas in the collet (2) is between the inner cone (21) and the outer cone (22) formed the free interspace (23) when the inner cone (21) of the collet (2) is fixed on the arbor (3) and the outer cone (22) which is equipped with the branch inlet (221) is fixed on the nozzle (13) of the body (1).