Shaving System
20170232624 · 2017-08-17
Inventors
Cpc classification
B26B21/4056
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B26B21/225
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
G01K1/14
PHYSICS
International classification
Abstract
The invention relates to a shaving system comprising a razor with at least one razor handle with a razor head connected to it, including at least one sensor for retrieving data on the shaving behaviour of the user, and at least one power source, and including a movement sensor and a method of interpreting movement of the razor and a wireless transmitter which wirelessly transmits the sensed data to a processor. The sensor may be mounted on the handle of the razor or the razor head and includes an accelerometer to detect movement of the wet-shave razor.
Claims
1. A shaving system comprising a razor with at least one razor handle with a razor head connected to it, the razor head having a cutting head for cutting hair, the shaving system including at least one sensor for retrieving data on the shaving behaviour of the user, and at least one power source, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes a movement sensor and a method of interpreting movement of the razor and in that the shaving system includes a wireless transmitter which wirelessly transmits the sensed data to a processor.
2. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensor is mounted on the handle of the razor.
3. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the sensor is mounted on the razor head.
4. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer to detect movement of the wet-shave razor.
5. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes a strain gauge.
6. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes a thermocouple to measure temperature.
7. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes a humidity sensor.
8. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor is in communication with a processor which utilizes at least one algorithm to interpret the inputted data from the at least one sensor.
9. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor produces data that is transmitted to an interface device such as a smart phone, tablet laptop, pc computer or the like, to permit visual display.
10. A shaving system according to claim 8, characterised in that a skin engaging guard surface is provided which is integral with the razor handle and on which is located at least one sensor.
11. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor measures the number shaving strokes.
12. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor measures the duration of the shave.
13. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one power source provides the required power to operate the at least one sensor and transmitter.
14. A shaving system according to claim 13, characterised in that at least one sensor a power source and the transmitter are provided in a separate module which is removable from the razor.
15. A shaving system according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes a base unit in which the razor docks to re-charge the power source and/or to transmit data.
16. A shaving system including a razor with a handle, at least one razor head coupled to the handle, a control module integrated into the handle and including a sensor for detecting movement of the handle, or temperature or humidity and a transmitter for transmitting data to a base unit, the base unit being adapted to removably receive at least a portion of the razor, and including a display for indicating data pertaining to razor head use, a controller in communication with the display for sending data to the display, and transfer means for transferring data from the memory means to the controller when at least a portion of the razor is received by the base unit.
17. A shaving system according to claim 16, characterised in that there is a processor located in the base unit.
18. A shaving system according to claim 16, characterised in that the razor is a wet shave razor with at least one blade having a cutting edge.
19. A shaving system according to claim 16, characterised in that the razor is a dry shave razor with at least one foil.
20. A shaving sensor system for attachment to at least one razor or razor handle, the shaving sensor system including at least one sensor for retrieving data on the shaving behaviour of the user, and at least one power source, characterised in that the at least one sensor includes a movement sensor and a method of interpreting movement of the razor, to determine at least the start and the end of a shaving process, and in that the shaving sensor system includes a wireless transmitter which wirelessly transmits the sensed data to a processor.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and methods of forming the structures associated with the razor package have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the descriptions of the aspects of the present disclosure.
[0027] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”
[0028] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0029] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar features or elements. The size and relative positions of features in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0030]
[0031]
[0032] By means of these sensors both the air temperature can be measured as well as the water temperature of water from the tap as the razor is rinsed under a tap or from a bowl is measured. In addition the presence of redness of micro cuts on the user's skin is detected.
[0033] The signals generated at the sensor 26 are carried by means of electrical leads 28 through to other electrical components for processing and identification. For example, the generated signals are carried from the sensor 26 to an analog-to-digital (“AD”) converter 48 that transforms the received signals into digital data, see
[0034] The digital signals output from the A/D converter are subsequently processed by a microprocessor 50 that filters the sensed data, detects significant changes that would be indicative of the user starting to use the razor based on the generated signals. The microprocessor 50 may then output the determination results to an output device, such as an Input/Output (I/O) 30, or wireless communication module 31. Most likely the display will be a smart phone or other device belonging to the user and the user will download an app to configure the smart phone to process, manage and display the data as desired by the user.
[0035] The electrical leads 28 pass through the razor head connection means 17 by means of contacts 19 which connect with contacts 15 in the corresponding parts of the handle connection means 20 so that electrically connection can be made with the new razor head when it needs to be replaced.
[0036] The sensor 26 is an integrated chip sensor having various electrical layers making up the electrical components (not shown) that process the generated signals. On a topmost layer of the chip, conductive layers form electrodes 47 for sensing temperature or colour changes. It may also include other environmental sensors which sense humidity, pressure and other environmental factors. The electrodes 47 are connected to a next layer within the sensor 26 that includes an A/D converter 48 and other sensor components such as a potentiostat. The A/D converter is on the same silicon chip integrated with the sensors. Connected to the next layer within the same chip as sensor 26 is the microprocessor 50.
[0037] The specific details of the types of temperature, humidity, colour or pressure sensors that can detect and output electrical signals are known generally in the sensor art. The electrodes 47 can be any type of sensing electrodes, such as electromechanical, electro optical, photo detectors, electrochemical or other combinations which output an electrical signal representative of a sensed parameter. Electrodes are also known that emit light at certain frequencies and then sense changes in the light after it passes through the human tissue. These electrodes can be used to detect change in the colouration of the skin to indicate too much abrasion or micro-nicking.
[0038] The results of the microprocessor 50 are conducted from the sensor 26 to the output circuits within a razor handle 3 to which the razor head 1 is electrically connected via conductive leads 28 in the razor head and conductive leads in the razor 29. The razor handle 3 may comprise any of the Input/Output (I/O) slot 30, the communication module 31, and the display 32 for receiving data from the sensor 26, all of which are examples of output circuits. The communication module 31 transmits the processed sensed data to a base unit or to a user's computer of smart phone or other device. The display may be the display on a smart device rather than a dedicated display on the razor handle. Alternatively the raw data from the sensor or sensors may be transmitted directly to a smart phone or other computer device and all of the processing carried out on the device. Alternatively the I/O slot 30 may be configured to receive electronic cards, such as a SIM card, a memory card, a connection to a computer or the like for reading from and writing to the processor 50. For example, data from the sensor 26 may be stored on a memory card inserted into the I/O slot 30 or downloads to a computer with a micro-USB type connection.
[0039] The razor handle 3 also includes an accelerometer 10 which detects movement of the razor such as would occur during shaving. The detected signals are conducted to the communication module 31. The accelerometer 10 detects the speed of movement of the razor during shaving as well as detecting each shaving stroke so the processor can resolve the number of strokes per shave. The accelerometer can also detect the orientation of the razor and thus the direction of the razor during each stroke. The overall duration taken to carry out the shave can be determined from the time when movement starts to the time when movement ends. Sensors for temperature and humidity and also a strain gauge could be included is a sensor package located in the razor handle rather than the razor head. The strain gauge can be configured to measure the resistant experienced by the razor blade edges against the beard hairs to give an indication of the softness of the hairs, which, when compared to historical data for the individual or background data on human hair, can provide an indication of the sufficient moistening of the beard before shaving and give the user and indication that the further steps need to be taken to moisten the beard before shaving should commence.
[0040] The communication module 31 is configured to wirelessly communicate the data from the sensor 26 to a separate computing device, which may be a smart phone. The display 32 is configured to show various indicators, such as the condition of the blade, the number of uses since the last cartridge was changed, the softness of the beard etc. It may also display battery power level, free space in the memory, that data has been sent to a computer, and other system functions.
[0041] In some embodiments, the display 32 may show the results of the shave analysis, such as the blood detection close to the skin, that the user is pressing the blades too harshly against the skin or that the beard hairs are insufficiently moistened.
[0042] Any or all of the sensors 10, 26 could be located in the skin engaging bar 16 which is part of the handle 3. Furthermore the sensors 10, 26 can form a modular or unitary component that can be detached from the razor handle 3 or from the razor head 1, or from the razor 2 as a whole in the case of a combined handle and razor head razor.
[0043] In other embodiments, the test results are too complicated to show on a single screen. In such cases, the razor 2 will be coupled to a computer via the communication module 31 following the collection of data by shaving. The data will be downloaded to a computer which will further analyze the data.
[0044] The razor handle 3 also has an on/off button 34, and a battery 9. The battery 9 supplies power to the sensor 26 and communication module 31 and may be a permanent battery or a replaceable battery, depending on whether the razor 2 is a one-time use or multiple use razor. The sensor 26 is coupled to the communication module 31, the display 32, the on/off button 34, and the battery 9 within the razor handle 3.
[0045]
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[0047] The communication module 31 transmits wirelessly to a computer device such as a smart phone and may use any suitable wireless standard, such as wi fi or lower power Blue Tooth or the like.
[0048] The battery 9 is preferably a re-chargeable battery which is re-charged by periodically inserting the razor in a base station (not shown) which can also be used to transfer data and verify the functionality of the components. As shown in
[0049] In an alternative embodiment, shown in
[0050] Providing the sensor in a removable module provides a number of benefits. It allows the module 35 to be sold separately from the razor handle 3, it allows it to be sent for repair or for data downloading separately from the razor handle and it also allows the module to be used for other purposes such as for example data collection during other activities than shaving, such as sports.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment of a detachable sensor module, the battery may be re-chargeable and may be re-charged automatically when is attached to the razor 2, by suitable electrical connection means which are in contact when the module is attached to the razor, and the sensor battery is re-charged by a further razor battery in the razor handle housing, or the sensor battery may be re-charged by a docking station.
[0052] In the embodiment shown in
[0053] According to the embodiment shown in
[0054] In addition, in the embodiments, the microprocessor 50 is in the handle 3 of the razor 20. In some systems, the microprocessor 50 will be expensive and it will be desired to reuse the microprocessor many times and so the processing can be carried out in the attendant device such as a smart phone and only the sensor or sensors and transmitter are located in the razor and the data is transmitted immediately or streamed to the smart phone. In one embodiment, the microprocessor 50 is on a separate chip from the A/D converter 48 and the electrodes 47. The combination of these components makes up the entire sensor 26.
[0055] In this case, only the head 1 of the razor is removed at joint 17, 20 and discarded when the blades are worn and a new head 1 is attached. The components in the handle, such as communication module 31, display 32, battery, etc., are reused.
[0056] The electrodes 26 in the razor head are coupled to the processor and transmitter 31 through wires 28 affixed to the razor head 1 to which the electrodes 26 are attached.
[0057] As another example, the razor 2 of
[0058] In the embodiment shown in
[0059] The razor head 1 is formed from an upper part 8 and a lower part 12, each with an opening 13 through which the blade edges 4 are exposed to the skin. The blades 4 are provided on a blade rack 14 which has side portions 21, 22 and a rear portion 6. The sensor 26 is shown located on the underside of the upper portion 8 at the rear side of following side of the razor head compared to the direction of shaving. There is further provided a rear trimming blade 18 attach to the rear portion 6 and a sacrificial aluminium anode 25, all of which blade rack 14, anode 25, and trimmer blade 18 are all sandwiched between the upper 8 and lower parts 12 which are fixedly connected together by attaching means 11. The sensor 26 could be readily located at any suitable location on the blade rack 14, the blades, the upper part 8, the lower part 12 or the anode 25.
[0060] The sensor 26 is coupled to the electrical components shown in the handle housing 5 of the razor handle 3 via insulated wires 28, 29, which are affixed to the razor parts using any known technique of securely attaching wires to a plastic surface which provides the isolation, or where necessary isolated wires and attached to the metal surface of the blade. The isolated wires 28, 29 are isolated to prevent stray currents, short circuiting if wet, and introduction of noise into the system. The isolated wires 28, 29 are coupled to the electrical components of the razor handle 3 via electrical contacts 19 on the razor head connecting means 17, 20.
[0061] The isolated wires 28, 29 provide the power source, ground, and data lines to and from the sensor 26. In an alternative embodiment, the isolated wires 28, 29 provide the power source and the data lines, but the razor blades 4, 18 to which the sensor 26 is attached provides a ground for the sensor 26. A metal grounding pad (not shown) formed on the underside of the sensor 26 makes contact with the razor blade and is used to ground the sensor 26 to the razor blade.
[0062] Positioning the sensor 26 nearer the cutting edges of the razor blades 4 allows the sensor to come into close contact with the skin and is more easily rinsed clean.
[0063] In one embodiment, the razor blades 7 may be equally projecting and spaced apart in the vertical direction from one another. Alternatively, one or more of the razor blades 7 may be projecting more than the other razor blades. Additionally, the vertical spacing between the razor blades 7 may be different in between each razor blade. For example, the topmost razor blade may be positioned closer to the middle razor blade than the middle razor blade is to the bottommost razor blade.
[0064] In one aspect, varying the spacing and positioning of the razor blades may depend on the placement of the sensor 26. For example, if the sensor 26 is positioned on the underside of the middle razor blade, then the shaving edge of the adjacent razor blade may be positioned further back. Additionally, the spacing between the middle razor blade and the bottommost razor blade may be greater than the spacing between the topmost razor blade and the middle razor blade. Positioning the razor blades 4 in this way may increase the area of skin the sensor 26 is exposed to.
[0065] To the user, the razor will be used normally and there will be no perceived difference in the shave compared to normal use.
[0066] As well as an accelerometer 10, other motion sending technology could be used such as a simple gravity switch which detects the changes in orientation of the handle. A number of such switches could be provided with different base orientations to provide more accurate data on the motion of the razor.
[0067] The data that could be displayed on the razor handle display 32 will be relatively simple data such as the number of shaving strokes used, the shaving orientation of the razor, the time spent shaving or the velocity of the shaving strokes. Any graphical or numerical information in a format which may aid the user in the improvement of their shaving technique.
[0068] More sophisticated data will be transmitted to the computer device. Furthermore the user's computer device will be connected to the internet to the manufacturer or a service provider so that based on analysis of data set and usage against average user data or other, data may be transferred to the manufacturer or service provider or other third party to automatically reorder replacement cartridges. The usage habits and reorder scheduling can be dynamically tailored to each individual user, obviating the need for manual order or purchase of replacement cartridges. For example a particular user may have a preference for a particular type of razor or blade set up and this bespoke razor head can be provided economically with this advanced knowledge.
[0069] Based on usage data set, data may be used to reward user with loyalty points, discounts or money off rewards, rewarding regular users with genuine savings or provision of other products to generally improve their shaving or purchase experience.
[0070] The data set may also be geo-tagged use location data on the computer device and used by third party to be analyse and use, for research and logistical purposes, the geographical usage of the product.
[0071] The data from the razor will interface exclusively with a dedicated app provided by the manufacturer or service provider which will be downloaded over the internet to the computer device. The computer device as well as being a smart phone or tablet could also be a smart watch or other wearable device.
[0072] Because the razor blades 4 are staggered and the head swivels, the sensor 26 is positioned at an angle that is parallel to the shaving plane of the razor head 1 and will preferably contact the skin during use.
[0073] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
COMPONENT LIST
[0074] 1. Razor Head [0075] 2. Razor [0076] 3. Razor Handle [0077] 4. Razor Blades [0078] 5. Battery Housing [0079] 6. Rear portion [0080] 7. Razor Blades [0081] 8. Upper part [0082] 9. Battery [0083] 10. Accelerometer [0084] 11. Attaching Means [0085] 12. Razor head lower part [0086] 13. Opening [0087] 14. Blade rack [0088] 15. Contacts [0089] 16. Skin engaging bar [0090] 17. Razor head connecting means (also coupling, also joint) [0091] 18. Trimmer Blade [0092] 19. Electrical contacts [0093] 20. Handle Connection Means (also coupling, also joint), also razor [0094] 21. Side portion [0095] 22. Side portion [0096] 23. (not used) [0097] 24. (not used) [0098] 25. Aluminium anode [0099] 26. The sensor (also temperature sensor), also electrodes [0100] 27. (Not Used) [0101] 28. Isolated Wires (also conductive leads, wires, insulated wires, electrical leads) [0102] 29. Conductive Leads in the Razor (look like in Handle in