AUTOMATED HAIR DRYING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated hair drying device, comprises a circular frame 101 accessed by a user to position the frame 101 overhead portion of the user, plurality of vertical rods 102 create an enclosure around the user’s head portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 determine dimensions of the head portion, plurality of motorized hinge joints regulates shape of the frame 101, a receives voice command of the user regrading drying of the user’s hairs, a chamber installed with an electronic nozzle 106 dispenses a solution over the user’s hairs, a motorized circular sliding unit 107 translates position a comb 108 over the user’s head portion, a robotic link 109 for combing the hairs, an moisture sensor monitor moisture level of the hair, an air blower 201 for initiating drying of the user’s hairs.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated hair drying device that provide a means for drying hair of the user in accordance to the dimensions of head portion of the user and moisture level of the hair in a safe and automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts, saving time of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wet hair provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that potentially leads to scalp issues. Excess moisture weakens the hair shaft, making the hair prone to damage, breakage and frizz. Proper drying of hair sets foundation for styling of hair, whether through air drying for natural looks or by using heat from hair dryers to achieve a more polished style of the hair. Drying of hair is also essential for maintaining health of hair of the user and the appearance.

[0003] Traditionally, drying of hair involves allowing the hair to dry naturally without the use of heat or styling tools. This process includes gently squeezing of excess water from the hair using a towel and then allowing the hair to dry naturally. While air drying is gentle on the hair and minimizes the damage as well, however this process takes longer than other methods of drying of hair. Other method of drying hair also involves using of hair dryer for drying the hair in a quicker and effective manner of various sizes. This method is faster than natural drying or towel drying of hair but this method damages the hair in case the temperature and time duration of drying the hair is not apt properly.

[0004] CN112474568A discloses an automatic hair cleaning system. The system comprises a cleaning device, a disinfection nursing device, a first-stage drying device and a second-stage drying device which are sequentially arranged on a rack or the bottom surface, wherein the cleaning device is connected with a water source through a pipeline, the second-stage drying device is connected with a steam source through a pipeline, and a material grabbing mechanism is arranged at the top between the cleaning device and the second-stage drying device in a suspended mode. Automatic wig cleaning, drying and nursing are achieved, cleaning and nursing operation is convenient, time and labor are saved, the labor intensity is greatly reduced, large-batch wig cleaning can be achieved, single cleaning and nursing can also be achieved, and the wig cleaning work efficiency is greatly improved. Though CN'568 discloses about cleaning and drying of wig in an automatic manner, however, this system does not focus on drying hair of an individual in accordance to the dimensions of head portion of the user and the moisture level of the hair in a safe and automated manner.

[0005] WO2021250101A1 relates to a hair drying and/or styling device and in particular to a hair drying device which can optionally be used to style hair. The invention may be configured as a unitary or stand-alone device or it may be configured as an attachment for another device such as a hair dryer. The hair drying and/or styling device has an air inlet, a body with an air flow space in communication with the air inlet, and an outlet plate with a large number of openings which are in communication with the air flow space. The outlet plate is concave and defines a volume which is surrounded by the outlet plate. A chosen section of hair can be inserted into the volume for drying and/or styling. The outlet plate is rotatable relative to the body, the rotatable outlet plate facilitating styling of the section of hair. Though WO'101 discloses about a device that is capable of drying of hair as well as optionally styles the hair, however, this device does not focus on drying of hair of an individual in accordance to the moisture level of the user in an automated manner, thereby develop a need of physical efforts by the individual as well as increases chances of damage to the hair.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable drying of hair, however these device does not focus on drying hair of an individual in accordance the head portion of the user as well moisture level of the hair in view of initiating hair drying of the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of drying hair of an individual in accordance to the head portion of the individual in a safe and automated manner. The proposed device is also capable of monitoring moisture level of hair of the individual and accordingly provide means for initiating drying of hair of the individual.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that provide a mean to a user for drying of hair in accordance to the dimensions of the head portion in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of moisture level of the hair of the user and accordingly provide means for initiating drying of the hair of the user, thereby reducing chances of damage to the hair of the user.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining presence of smoke around the user's hairs and accordingly provide means to notify the user regarding the detected smoke around the user's hair.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated hair drying device that provide a means for drying hair of the user in accordance to moisture level of the hair in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated hair drying device, comprises of a circular frame is accessed by a user to position the frame overhead portion of the user, plurality of vertical rods equipped with a heat resistant sheet are configured with the frame to create an enclosure around the user's head portion and the user positions hair that are to be dried within the enclosure, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the frame for capturing and processing multiple images of the head portion, based on the captured images, a microcontroller linked with the processor, determines dimensions of the head portion, plurality of motorized hinge joints installed in the frame regulates shape of the frame, a microphone installed over the frame receives voice command of the user regrading drying of the user's hairs, an electronic nozzle installed with a chamber arranged with one of the rod to dispense a regulated amount of the solution over the user's hairs, a motorized circular sliding unit installed over the rods provides translation to a comb configured with the sliding unit in order to position the comb over the user's head portion, and a robotic link installed between the comb and sliding unit is actuated by the microcontroller to position the comb in contact with the user's hairs for combing the hairs in view of enabling an air blower installed with one of the rod to dry the hairs in a faster manner.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an inner view of an automated hair drying device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an external view of the frame associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated hair drying device that provide a means for drying hair of the user in accordance to the moisture level of the hair in a safe and automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as reducing chances of damage to hair of the user.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an inner view of an automated hair drying device and an external view of the frame associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a circular frame 101 accessed by a user to position the frame 101 overhead portion of the user, plurality of vertical rods 102 equipped with a heat resistant sheet 103 are configured with the frame 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over the frame 101, a microphone 105 installed over the frame 101, a chamber arranged with one of the rod and installed with an electronic nozzle 106, a motorized circular sliding unit 107 installed over the rods 102, a comb 108 configured with the sliding unit 107, a robotic link 109 is installed between the comb 108 and sliding unit 107, an air blower 201 installed with one of the rod, and a speaker 110 installed over the frame 101.

[0022] The device disclosed herein includes a circular frame 101 that is accessed by a user to position the frame 101 overhead portion of the user. The frame 101 is rectangular in shape, made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. Multiple vertical rods 102 equipped with a heat resistant sheet 103 are configured with the frame 101 to create an enclosure around the user's head portion. The user positions hair that are to be dried within the enclosure. The inner periphery of the frame 101 is layered with a cushioned member to provide comfort to the user.

[0023] Upon positioning of the frame 101 over the head portion of the user, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed over the frame 101 captures multiple images of the head portion, wherein based on the captured image. The imaging unit 104 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings around the head portion, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 104 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 104 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the frame 101. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines dimensions of the head portion of the user.

[0024] Based on the determined dimensions of the head portion, multiple motorized hinge joints installed in the frame 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to regulate shape of the frame 101 in accordance with the detected dimensions. The motorized hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the frame 101. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the frame 101 to regulate shape of the frame 101 in accordance with the detected dimensions of the head portion of the user in view of enabling the user to accommodate the frame 101 around the head portion in an appropriate manner.

[0025] Post accommodation of the frame 101 around the head portion in an appropriate manner, a microphone 105 installed over the frame 101 receives voice command of the user regrading drying of the user's hairs. The microphone 105 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to the microcontroller for processing the input voice command of the user regarding drying of the user's hairs.

[0026] Based on the input command from the user, an electronic nozzle 106 installed with a chamber stored with heat protecting solution arranged with one of the rod is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense a regulated amount of the solution over the user's hairs. The electronic nozzle 106 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get dispensed. Upon actuation of nozzle 106 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the solution within the chamber, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force over the user's hairs.

[0027] After dispensing of heat protecting the solution over the user's hairs, a motorized circular sliding unit 107 installed over the rods 102 is actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to a comb 108 configured with the sliding unit 107 in order to position the comb 108 over the user's head portion. The motorized circular sliding unit 107 consists of a pair of circular sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 107 results in the translation of the comb 108 over the rods 102 to position the comb 108 over the user's head portion.

[0028] Post positioning of the comb 108 over the user's head portion, a robotic link 109 installed between the comb 108 and sliding unit 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to position the comb 108 in contact with the user's hairs for combing the hairs in view of enabling the air blower 201 to dry the hairs in a faster manner. The robotic link 109 is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 109 to complete a specific motion of the link. Upon actuation of the robotic link 109 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to position the comb 108 in contact with the user's hairs for combing the hairs in view of enabling an air blower 201 installed with one of the rods 102 to dry the hairs in a faster manner.

[0029] A moisture sensor installed with one of the rod monitors moisture level of the hair of the user. The moisture sensor comprises a couple of conductive probes used for measuring moisture content in the user's hair. The probes are electrodes capable of conducting charge and corresponding electrical resistance is measured by the sensor. As the moisture content in the user's hair, the resistance through probes increases and the corresponding signal is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal processed the received signal and consequentially determines the moisture level in the user's hair.

[0030] Based on the determined moisture level in the user's hair, the air blower 201 is actuated by the microcontroller to blow hot air over the user's hairs for initiating drying of the user's hairs. The air blower 201 comprises of a vortex, heater, impeller and an outlet duct. The hot blower 201 increases the pressure of the air drawn for the surrounding of the frame 101 by a series of vortex motions formed by the centrifugal movement of the impeller. Upon actuation of the blower 201 by the microcontroller, the impeller is rotating wherein the channels in the impeller push the drawn air from the surrounding forward through a heating unit, that increase the temperature of the absorbed air by creating the centrifugal movement that generates a helical movement of the air. During this centrifugal movement, the absorbed air is continuously compressed along the channel and the pressure increases linearly. The pressurized air is transferred from the outlet duct of the blower 201 to the over the user's hairs for initiating drying of the user's hairs.

[0031] A temperature sensor installed over one of the rod monitors temperature of the hairs. The temperature sensor is composed of metal that generate an electrical voltage or resistance when experienced to temperature changes of the hairs. The senor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into readable values in order to measure the temperature of the hairs. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal to determine temperature of the user's hair. The determined temperature is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold value stored within a database linked to the microcontroller. In case the monitored temperature exceeds the threshold value, the microcontroller deactivates the air blower 201 to prevent over heating of the hairs.

[0032] Further, a smoke detection sensor installed over one of the rods 102 determine presence of smoke around the user's hairs. The smoke sensor used herein is a photoelectric smoke sensor that utilizes radioactive material to ionize the air between electrically charged plates arranged within the frame 101. Due to presence of smoke around the user's hair, as the smoke enters the plates, the smoke particles disrupt the current flow between the plates. This disrupt current flow is monitored by the microcontroller to determine presence of smoke around the user's hairs.

[0033] Based on the determined presence of smoke around the user's hairs, the microcontroller activates a speaker 110 installed over the frame 101 to notify the user regarding the detected smoke. The speaker 110 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding the detected smoke.

[0034] Additionally, a pressure sensor installed over the sheet 103 monitor pressure applied by hot air over the sheet 103. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a pressure applied by hot air over the sheet 103 while blowing hot aur on the user's hair. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller to determine the pressure applied by hot air over the sheet 103. The determined pressure is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold limit stored within the database. In cases the monitored pressure exceeds the threshold limit, the microcontroller actuates an iris lid installed over the sheet 103 to open and release the hot air in view of reducing pressure over the sheet 103.

[0035] The iris lid typically refers to the iris or aperture mechanism in the camera or optical instruments as it works in a similar manner to that of a human eye to open and release the hot air. The iris consists several thin and overlapping blades that forms an adjustable opening of the lid. Upon actuation of the iris lid by the microcontroller the blades move apart resulting in the widening of mouth portion of the lid, allowing the release the hot air in view of reducing pressure over the sheet 103.

[0036] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the circular frame 101 is accessed by the user to position the frame 101 overhead portion of the user. The user positions hair that are to be dried within the enclosure. Upon positioning of the frame 101 over the head portion of the user, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 captures multiple images of the head portion, wherein based on the captured image the microcontroller determines dimensions of the head portion of the user. Based on the determined dimensions of the head portion, multiple motorized hinge joints is actuated by the microcontroller to regulate shape of the frame 101 in accordance with the detected dimensions. Post accommodation of the frame 101 around the head portion in the appropriate manner, the microphone 105 receive voice command of the user regrading drying of the user's hairs. Based on the input command from the user, the electronic nozzle 106 is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense the regulated amount of the solution over the user's hairs. After dispensing of heat protecting the solution over the user's hairs, the motorized circular sliding unit 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to the comb 108 in order to position the comb 108 over the user's head portion. Post positioning of the comb 108 over the user's head portion, the robotic link 109 is actuated by the microcontroller to position the comb 108 in contact with the user's hairs for combing the hairs in view of enabling the air blower 201 to dry the hairs in the faster manner. The moisture sensor monitors moisture level of the hair of the user. Based on the determined moisture level in the user's hair, the air blower 201 is actuated by the microcontroller to blow hot air over the user's hairs for initiating drying of the user's hairs.

[0038] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated hair drying device, comprising:

i) a circular frame 101 accessed by a user to position said frame 101 on head portion of said user's, wherein plurality of vertical rods 102 equipped with a heat resistant sheet 103 are configured with said frame 101 to create an enclosure around said user's head portion and said user positions hair that are to be dried within said enclosure;

ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over said frame 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said head portion, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said processor, determines dimensions of said head portion and accordingly actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints installed in said frame 101 to regulate shape of said frame 101 in accordance with said detected dimensions to enable said user to accommodate said frame 101 around said head portion in an appropriate manner;

iii) a microphone 105 installed over said frame 101 to receive voice command of said user regrading drying of said user's hairs, wherein a chamber stored with heat protecting solution arranged with one of said rod and installed with an electronic nozzle 106 coupled with a chamber to dispense a regulated amount of said solution over said user's hairs;

iv) a motorized circular sliding unit 107 installed over said rods 102 and actuated by said microcontroller to provide translation to a comb 108 configured with said sliding unit 107 in order to position said comb 108 over said user's head portion, wherein a robotic link 109 is installed between said comb 108 and sliding unit 107 that is actuated by said microcontroller to position said comb 108 in contact with said user's hairs for combing said hairs in view of enabling said air blower 201 to dry said hairs in a faster manner; and

v) a air blower 201 installed with one of said rod and actuated by said microcontroller to blow hot air over said user's hairs for initiating drying of said user's hairs, wherein a moisture sensor is installed with one of said rod to monitor moisture level of said hairs based on which said microcontroller regulates operation of said air blower 201.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein inner periphery of said frame 101 is layered with a cushioned member to provide comfort to said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is installed over one of said rod to monitor temperature of said hairs and in case said monitored temperature exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller deactivates said air blower 201 to prevent over heating of said hairs.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a smoke detection sensor is installed over one of said rod to determine presence of smoke around said user's hairs based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 110 installed over said frame 101 to notify said user regrading said detected smoke.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is installed over said sheet 103 to monitor pressure applied by hot air over said sheet 103 and in cases said monitored pressure exceeds a threshold limit, said microcontroller actuates an iris lid installed over said sheet 103 to open and release said hot air in view of reducing pressure over said sheet 103.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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