Universal Grooming Handle With Interchangeable Pet Hair Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Households with multiple pets or varying grooming needs often require multiple specialized grooming tools, which can be inconvenient and costly, and existing tools are often designed for specific hand orientations or lack effective hair cleanup solutions.

Innovation Solution

A universal handle system that allows for the secure attachment of various grooming and hair collection tools, including a mat breaker, fur sweeper, and fur accumulator, using a lock mechanism with a spring-biased pin and push button for easy tool exchange, and ergonomic design for comfort and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple specialized grooming tools are purchased for different pets and grooming needs, then the grooming effectiveness for each specific need is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrooming effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different grooming tool heads, allowing a single handle to perform multiple grooming functions. The standardized bore and lock mechanism enable the same handle to securely attach various tools such as brushes, combs, and dematting tools, eliminating the need for multiple specialized handles while maintaining grooming effectiveness for different pet needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple specialized grooming tools are purchased for different pets and grooming needs, then the grooming effectiveness for each specific need is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrooming effectivenessVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal handle that can be used with multiple tool heads, the system allows users to invest in one handle and purchase only the specific tool heads needed for different grooming situations. This significantly reduces the overall cost compared to purchasing multiple complete grooming tools, while still providing effective grooming solutions for various pets and coat types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If grooming tools are designed for specific hand orientations, then the ease of operation for that orientation is improved, but the adaptability to different users decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand orientation optimizationVSAvoiduser adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates asymmetric ergonomic features including a thumb rest positioned on one side and a push button on the opposite side, creating a design that accommodates both right-handed and left-handed users. The asymmetric placement of controls allows users to operate the tool comfortably regardless of their dominant hand, while the curved surface provides optimal grip for different hand orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 universal handle system simplifies grooming by allowing a single handle to be used with multiple tools, addressing different pet grooming needs and providing effective hair cleanup, while being adaptable for both right- and left-handed users and reducing the need for multiple tools.

Implementation Method 1

The pin can be spring-biased radially inwardly into the interior volume of the bore

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The push button may move the pin against the spring to move the pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force against spring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The grip can include molded polymer material to enhance friction between the grip and a human hand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3346830A1Universal handle, grooming or hair collection tools, and methods of use
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 SPECTRUM BRANDS INC

AI summary

A system (40) includes a universal handle (42) and a variety of tools (44) selectively secured within the handle. The tools can be tools for grooming or collecting hair, and are especially useful with animals such as household pets. One example tool includes a mat breaker (150) that is adjustable for left handed or right handed use. Another example tool is a fur sweeper tool (154) and a fur accumulator tool (156). Other tools include deshedders (142), brushes (149), and combs (152).