END EFFECTORS AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING COLORIMETRIC WEAR INDICATOR

Abstract

End effectors and systems including end effectors configured to provide visible indicia of a wear state of the end effectors are described.

Description

SUMMARY

In an aspect the present disclosure provides an end effector for a face brush, generally including a chamber containing one or more beads disposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and an optically clear window that separates the interior portion from an outside environment, wherein at least one of the one or more beads and an interior area of the interior portion have a coating configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for facial grooming generally including an appliance including a motor; and an end effector coupleable to the motor and configured to receive motion from the motor, the end effector including a chamber containing one or more beads disposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and an optically clear window that separates the interior portion from outside environment, wherein at least one of the one or more beads and an interior area of the interior portion have a coating configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads.

This foregoing summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top-down plan view of an end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1C is a top-down plan view of the end effector of FIG. 1A after use and providing a colorimetric indicia of a wear state of the end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2A cross sectional view of an end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a top-down plan view of the end effector of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 2A after use and providing a colorimetric indicia of a wear state of the end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2D is a top-down plan view of the end effector of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 3A is a top-down plan view of an end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 3A including a magnified view of a portion.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a system including an end effector in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

Aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides examples of end effectors and systems including end effectors configured to provide indicia of a wear state of the end effector. In the examples of the end effectors and systems set forth in more detail below, several are provided that are configured to provide colorimetric indicia of a wear state when an end effector is worn or otherwise no longer suitable for use.

Through use an end effector, such as a brush, a massager, an exfoliator, and applicator, and the like, may become worn, dirty, or otherwise ready for replacement. Many conventional end effectors do not provide indicia of a wear state. In this regard, such conventional end effectors do not indicate to a user when the end effector is ready for replacement. Accordingly, a user may use an end effector when the end effector is dirty and/or is structurally damaged and no longer able to perform optimally.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A-1D there is shown an example of an end effector 100 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, end effector 100 includes a chamber 104 containing one or more beads 101 disposed in an interior portion 112 of the chamber 104; and an optically clear window 106 that separates the interior portion 112 from an outside environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more beads 101 have a coating 108 disposed on surface 110 configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads 101. End effector 100 further includes a base portion 116 coupleable to a motor (not shown, see FIG. 4) of an appliance (not shown, see FIG. 4) and configured to receive motion from the motor. In this regard, the motor is configured to move end effector 100, such as about axis 128, and agitate the one or more beads 101.

As discussed further herein, the abrasion of the coating 108 provides indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, end effector 100 includes a plurality of bristles 102 configured, for example, to wash the face of a user. Through use, the end effector 100 may become worn and dirty requiring replacement. However, without such indicia of a wear state a user may not know when the end effector 100 should be replaced. The coatings, such as coating 108, in conjunction with other end effector 100 components described further herein provide such indicia.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show end effector 100 in a first state, such as before use of the end effector 100, in which coating 108 is intact and disposed on a surface 110 of a core of the one or more beads 101. FIGS. 1C and 1D show end effector 100 in a second state, such as after use, in which coating 108 has been abraded or otherwise removed from surface 110. Through movement of the end effector 100, such as by oscillatory or other motion received by the end effector 100 from a motor (not shown, see FIG. 4), coating 108 is abraded and falls off of surface 110.

In an embodiment, coating 108 has a color different from a color of surface 110. In this regard, through use of end effector 100 a color change may be observed by a user. Such a color change may be indicia of a wear state of end effector 100 indicating, for example, that end effector 100 should be replaced. In an embodiment, end effector 100 is still useable, such as through coupling with a motor, after such a color change, although in a diminished capacity due to, for example, wear on the wear of the bristles 102.

In an embodiment, surface 110 of the one or more beads 101 is smooth. In this regard, coating 108 is configured to abrade or fall off of surface 110 in an even manner. Coatings disposed on uneven or rough surfaces tend to abrade from such surfaces unevenly resulting in portions of such surfaces with coating intact even after significant motion. In this regard, coating 108 disposed on a smooth, even surface 110 abrades with a predictable amount of use and end effectors 100 including such smooth surfaces are configured to provide indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100 at a predictable and accurate use interval.

In an embodiment, the one or more beads 101 have a first hardness and the coating 108 has a second hardness that is lower than the first hardness. Such a hardness gradient between the coating 108 and the surface 110 also provides even and predictable abrasion of the coating 108. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a softer, outward-facing coating 108 abrades more evenly with the surface 110 supporting coating 108 is less likely to deform upon impact than coating 108. Such predictable and even abrasion of coating 108 provides predictable and even indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more beads 101 are generally spherical. In this regard, stresses due to, for example, impact as the one or beads 101 are agitated are more evenly distributed throughout the impacted, generally spherical ball than if, for example, the bead had sharp corners and generally flat portions. Such even dispersal of forces over surface 110 and in coating 108 also provides an even abrasion of coating 108 from surface 110. As above, this provides predictable, even indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100.

With predictable, even indicia of a wear state of an end effector 100, the end effector 100 is configured to provide the indicia at a predictable use interval. In this regard, the end effector 100 may be designed with a predetermined use interval, such as a use interval after which replacement is recommended.

In the illustrated embodiment, coating 108 is disposed on the one or more beads 101. In an embodiment, the coating 108 is a first coating 108 having a first color and the end effector 100 further comprising a second coating (not shown) disposed on a surface of the first coating 108 having a second color different than the first color. As the second coating abrades, the color of the first coating 108 is revealed, thus providing intermediate indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100. Through subsequent use, the first coating 108 is abraded, as discussed further herein, exposing surface 110 providing final indicia of a wear state of the end effector 100. In this regard, end effector 100 is configured to provide number indicia of a wear state of end effector 100 at various stages of use of the end effector 100.

In an embodiment, end effector 100 includes an abrasive auxiliary element 126 disposed in the chamber 104 and configured to augment abrasion of coating 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the abrasive auxiliary element 126 is dispersed amongst the one or more beads 101. As the end effector 100 oscillates, as in use washing the face of a user, the abrasive auxiliary element 126 is agitated and impinges upon coating 108 and abrades or otherwise removes coating 108 from the surface 110. With the addition of the abrasive auxiliary element 126, coating 108 abrades more quickly from surface 110 due to the increased number of interactions between the coating 108 and auxiliary abrasive element 126.

The abrasive auxiliary element 126 is abrasive and configured to abrade the coating 108. In an embodiment, the abrasive auxiliary element 126 is selected from the group consisting of sand, silica beads, portions of walnut shells, portions of apricot pits, and the like.

In an embodiment, the chamber 104 includes one or more apertures 119 having a size smaller than a smallest dimension of the one or more beads 101. As shown in FIG. 1D, as coating 108 is abraded from surface 110 it falls through apertures 119 and out of chamber 104. Because apertures 119 have a size smaller than a smallest dimension of the one or more beads 101, the one or more beads 101 do not fall through the apertures 119 and out of chamber 104. Coating 108 that is no longer coupled to surface 110, however, is shown to have fallen through the apertures 119. In this regard, coating 108 no longer disposed on surface 110 does not impinge upon coating 108 that is still coupled to surface 110. Accordingly, coating 108 abrades more evenly than if abraded coating 108 no longer disposed on surface 110 were to remain in chamber 104.

In an embodiment, the coating is disposed on an interior area of the interior portion of the end effector, wherein a coating configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGS. 2A-2D, in which an end effector 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, end effector 200 is shown to include chamber 204 containing one or more beads 201 disposed in an interior portion 212 of chamber 204; an optically clear window 206 that separates interior portion 212 from an outside environment; and a plurality of bristles 202 on base portion 216 of end effector 200. As shown, coating 208 is disposed on an interior area 214 of the interior portion 212 of chamber 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the optically clear window 206 has a first side 214 facing the interior portion 212 and a second side 218 facing away from the first side 214, and wherein the coating 208 is disposed on the first side 214. As end effector 200 oscillates or otherwise moves, such as about axis 228, the one or more beads 201 are agitated in interior portion 212 of chamber 204, such as during use of end effector 200, and impinge upon coating 208. In so doing, coating 208 is abraded.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate end effector 200 in a first state, such as before use of the end effector 200, where coating 208 is disposed on first side 214 of optically clear window 206. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate end effector 200 in a second state after use where coating 208 has been abraded from first side 214 after being abraded by one or more beads 201. As shown, chamber 204 includes the wall opposite 218 the optically clear window 206 including at least a portion of the wall 218 having a color different than a color of the coating 208. Such a portion of wall 218 can provide indicia of a wear state of the end effector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia include an X-shaped portion indicating the end effector 200 should be replaced. While an X-shaped portion is illustrated, it will be understood that other indicia of a wear state can be included in the end effectors 200 of the present disclosure, including for example written phrases, drawings, and the like.

In an embodiment, the chamber is disposed around at least a portion of a circumference or a periphery of the end effector and at least one of the one or more beads is in the form of a puck slideably disposed within the chamber. In that regard, attention is directed to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in which an end effector 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. As shown, end effector 300 includes chamber 304 containing one or more beads 301 disposed in an interior portion 312 of the chamber 304; optically clear window 306 that separates the interior portion 312 from an outside environment, where chamber 304 is disposed around a periphery 322 of end effector 300; and a plurality of bristles 302 disposed on base portion 316 of end effector 300. As end effector 300 oscillates, such as about central axis 328, puck 301 slides relative to sides of chamber 304. As shown, puck 301 is disposed distal from central axis 328 and in this regard, puck 301 moves relative base portion 316 of end effector 300. As a result, coating 308 disposed on surface 310 of puck 301 is abraded.

In an embodiment, the puck 301 is disc shaped. In an embodiment, the puck 301 is toroidal, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In an embodiment, the puck 301 is a portion of a toroid forming an arc or other portion of a complete circle.

In an embodiment, interior portion 312 of the chamber 304 includes an abrasive surface 324 configured to abrade the coating 308, as shown in FIG. 3B. As puck 301 slides within chamber 304 against abrasive surface 324, coating 308 is abraded from surface 310. In the illustrated embodiment, abrasive surface 324 is disposed on all interior surfaces of chamber 304; however, abrasive surface 324 may be disposed on fewer than all interior surfaces of chamber 304. In an embodiment, the abrasive surface 324 is optically clear so that coating 308 and surface 310 is visible by a user. As shown, end effector 300 includes windows 306A and 306B through which a user can view coating 308 and, when coating 308 has been abraded from puck 301 is abraded, surface 310. In that regard, a user can view indicia of a wear state of end effector 300.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system, such as for facial grooming, including an appliance including a motor; and an end effector coupleable to the motor and configured to receive motion from the motor. In that regard, attention is directed to FIG. 4, in which a system 403 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 403 includes appliance 405 including a motor 407; and end effector 400 coupleable to the motor 407 and configured to receive motion from the motor 407. In certain embodiments, end effector 400 is an example of end effectors, 100, 200, and/or 300. As shown, end effector 400 includes chamber 404 containing one or more beads 401 and abrasive auxiliary element 426 disposed in an interior portion 412 of the chamber 404; a plurality of bristles 402 coupled to base portion 416, and optically clear window 406 that separates interior portion 412 from outside environment. As discussed further herein, one or more beads 401 or an interior area of the interior portion 412 have a coating (not shown, see FIGS. 1A and 2A) configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads 401.

As discussed further herein, motion of the motor 407 is configured to induce motion in the end effector 400, such as oscillatory motion about an axis 428 of end effector 400. In an embodiment, chamber 404 is disposed on a portion of the end effector 400 distal from the axis, such as adjacent to or about a periphery of end effector 400. In this regard, as end effector 400 receives the oscillatory motion from motor 407, the one or more beads 401 are agitated to a greater degree than if they were disposed more closely to the central axis 428 due to the greater oscillation displacement of the one or more beads 401 at the periphery of end effector 400.

While oscillation about a single central axis 428 is described, it will be understood that motor 407 may be configured to provide other forms of motion to end effector 400. For example, motor 407 may be configured to provide types of motion selected from the group consisting of cyclic, reciprocal, oscillatory, and combinations thereof. In all cases, the motion induced by motor 407 agitates the one or more beads 401 disposed in end effector 400 thus abrading coating 408 disposed thereon.

It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” etc., should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. The term “about” means plus or minus 5% of the stated value.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. An end effector for a face brush, comprising:

a chamber containing one or more beads disposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and

an optically clear window that separates the interior portion from an outside environment,

wherein the one or more beads or an interior area of the interior portion have a coating configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads.

2. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the coating is disposed on a surface of the one or more beads and has a first color, and wherein the surface of the one or more beads has a second color different from the first color.

3. The end effector of claim 2, wherein the surface of the one or more beads is smooth.

4. The end effector of claim 2, wherein the one or more beads have a first hardness and the coating has a second hardness that is lower than the first hardness.

5. The end effector of claim 2, wherein the one or more beads are generally spherical.

6. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the optically clear window has a first side facing the interior portion and a second side facing away from the first side, and wherein the coating is disposed on the first side.

7. The end effector of claim 6, wherein the chamber includes a wall opposite the optically clear window, and wherein at least a portion of the wall has a color different than a color of the coating.

8. The end effector of claim 6, wherein the second side of the optically clear window includes a portion having a color.

9. The end effector of claim 8, wherein the portion of the second side is in a form of indicia of a wear state of the end effector.

10. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the chamber is disposed around at least a portion of a circumference of the end effector, and wherein one of the one or more beads is in the form of a puck slideably disposed within the chamber.

11. The end effector of claim 10, wherein the coating is disposed on a surface of the puck.

12. The end effector of claim 10, wherein the interior portion of the chamber includes an abrasive surface configured to abrade the coating.

13. The end effector of claim 1, further comprising an abrasive auxiliary element disposed in the chamber and configured to abrade the coating.

14. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the chamber includes one or more apertures having a size smaller than a smallest dimension of the one or more beads.

15. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the coating is disposed on the one or more beads, wherein the coating is a first coating having a first color, the end effector further comprising a second coating having a second color different than the first color, and wherein the second coating is disposed on a surface of the first coating.

16. The end effector of claim 1, wherein the end effector includes a base portion coupleable to a motor of an appliance and configured to receive motion from the motor.

17. A system for facial grooming comprising:

an appliance including a motor; and

an end effector coupleable to the motor and configured to receive motion from the motor, the end effector comprising: a chamber containing one or more beads disposed in an interior portion of the chamber; and an optically clear window that separates the interior portion from outside environment, wherein the one or more beads or an interior area of the interior portion have a coating configured to abrade with motion of the one or more beads.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the motion of the motor is configured to induce motion in the end effector about an axis, and wherein the chamber is disposed on a portion of the end effector distal from the axis.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the coating is disposed on a surface of the one or more beads and has a first color, wherein the surface of the one or more beads has a second color different from the first color.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the optically clear window has a first side facing the interior portion and a second side facing away from the first side, and wherein the coating is disposed on the first side.