阅读说明：本技术 用于吹风机的智慧型喷嘴 (Intelligent nozzle for hair dryer ) 是由 本雅明·阿贝哈塞拉 于 2020-06-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于一吹风机的智慧型喷嘴包括一接近侦测电路、一温度感测电路、一速度侦测电路及一可旋转的喷嘴叶片,以及其他特征。所述喷嘴包括一微控制器及一无线通信模组,以便通过一应用程序与一外部计算装置连接。所述喷嘴还包括一照相机、一定时器、一流体分配器,及一治疗性UV灯。所述电源可为通过空气流过所述喷嘴而供电的一发电机。所述喷嘴可为多种现有吹风机的一附加物,或者可与一吹风机系统整合在一起。(A smart nozzle for a blower includes, among other features, a proximity detection circuit, a temperature sensing circuit, a speed detection circuit, and a rotatable nozzle blade. The nozzle comprises a microcontroller and a wireless communication module so as to be connected with an external computing device through an application program. The nozzle also includes a camera, a timer, a fluid dispenser, and a therapeutic UV lamp. The power source may be a generator powered by air flowing through the nozzle. The nozzle may be an addition to a variety of existing blowers, or may be integrated with a blower system.)

1. A nozzle for a blower, comprising: the nozzle includes:

a power supply, a microprocessor, a proximity detection circuit, and an alarm;

wherein the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor and the proximity detection circuit;

wherein the microcontroller controls the proximity detection circuit; and

wherein the proximity detection circuit triggers the alarm when an object is detected at or within a predetermined distance from the nozzle.

2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the proximity detection circuit includes:

the infrared receiver comprises an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver and at least one photodiode;

wherein the transmitter transmits an infrared signal outwardly so that the infrared signal is deflected back to the receiver when intercepted by the object;

wherein a photodiode generates a voltage difference in response to the infrared signal, the voltage difference corresponding to a distance between the nozzle and the object; and

wherein the predetermined distance is adjustable.

3. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the power supply includes a generator circuit that generates electrical power in response to air passing through the nozzle.

4. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a display.

5. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a camera.

6. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a wireless module configured to send and receive data to and from an external computing device.

7. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes an air flow sensor in data communication with the microcontroller, the microcontroller being configured to trigger the alarm when air flow falls below or exceeds a predetermined level.

8. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a temperature sensor in data communication with the microcontroller, the microcontroller being configured to trigger the alarm when the air temperature falls below or exceeds a predetermined level.

9. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a humidity sensor in data communication with the microcontroller, the microcontroller being configured to trigger the alarm when the air humidity falls below or exceeds a predetermined level.

10. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a timer circuit in data communication with the microcontroller.

11. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle includes a therapeutic ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed at a distal end of the nozzle.

12. The nozzle of claim 3, wherein: the nozzle includes a rotatable vane disposed at a distal end of the nozzle and configured to direct an airflow present at the distal end of the nozzle.

13. The nozzle of claim 12, wherein: the rotatable blades are controlled by a motor that is in data communication with the microprocessor.

14. The nozzle of claim 3, wherein: the nozzle includes a fluid dispenser.

15. The nozzle of claim 14, wherein: the fluid dispenser includes an electronic vapor generator.

16. A nozzle for a blower, comprising: the nozzle includes:

a microcontroller, a power supply, and a plurality of system components: a proximity detection circuit, a display, a wireless module, and an alarm;

wherein the power supply supplies power to the microprocessor and the proximity detection circuit;

wherein the microcontroller is in data communication with the plurality of system components; and

wherein the proximity detection circuit triggers the alarm when an object is detected at or within a predetermined distance from the nozzle.

17. The nozzle of claim 16, wherein: the proximity detection circuit includes:

the infrared receiver comprises an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver and at least one photodiode;

wherein the transmitter transmits an infrared signal outwardly so that the infrared signal is deflected back to the receiver when intercepted by the object;

wherein a photodiode generates a voltage difference in response to the infrared signal, the voltage difference corresponding to a distance between the nozzle and the object; and

wherein the predetermined distance is adjustable.

18. The nozzle of claim 16, wherein: the power supply includes a generator circuit that generates electrical power in response to air passing through the nozzle.

19. The nozzle of claim 16, wherein: the nozzle includes a therapeutic ultraviolet light emitting diode disposed at a distal end of the nozzle.

20. The nozzle of claim 16, wherein: the nozzle includes a fluid dispenser.

Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a nozzle of a hair dryer.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the blower nozzle with a rotatable air flow vane feature.

Figure 3 is a system diagram of the blower nozzle.

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a proximity detection feature of the blower nozzle.

Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of a generator-type power feature of the blower nozzle.

It will be appreciated that some or all of the figures are schematic representations for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily depict the actual relative sizes or locations of the various elements shown. The figures are provided to illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention with a clear understanding that they are not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Throughout the description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the present invention. That is, the following description provides examples, and the various drawings show various examples for illustrative purposes. However, these examples should not be construed as limiting, as they are intended to provide only a few examples of the present invention, rather than an exhaustive list of all possible implementations thereof.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by way of the following non-limiting examples, which will serve to illustrate various features. The examples are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the various examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, references throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. 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 embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1 and 3, a blower nozzle 10 is shown. The nozzle 10 may be configured as a removable "add-on" nozzle for an existing hair dryer (hair dryer) or hairdryer (hair blow), or the nozzle may be embedded and integrally formed with the hair dryer or hairdryer itself. It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "blower" should not be construed to limit the function or purpose of the present invention, but rather to facilitate the description of a typical use of a product. Thus, the term "hair dryer" as used herein is to be interpreted to also mean a "hair dryer" or other similar means known in the art. Where the nozzle 10 is configured as an "add-on" device, it may be formed in the shape and configuration of a typical blower diffuser as is known in the art. The nozzle 10 includes several advanced "smart" features that add a wide variety of functions to a typical hair dryer. The "smart" features of the nozzle 10 are primarily controlled by a microcontroller unit 18, the microcontroller unit 18 being in data communication with a plurality of sensors including a temperature sensor 12, a humidity sensor 14 and an air flow sensor 15. The micro-controller unit 18 also communicates data with a camera 13, a wireless communication module 16, a light-emitting diode (LED)17, and an audible alarm 19. In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 18 is in data communication with the blower itself, including the heating element and blower motor of the blower.

The nozzle 10 also includes a proximity detection circuit (see fig. 4) comprising an Infrared (IR) and/or photodiode based emitter 20 and receiver 21. An adjustable on/off switch 22 turns the nozzle on and off and provides a means to adjust the range of the proximity detection circuit 200 as further described herein.

In some embodiments, the nozzle is powered by a power source 11, and the power source 11 may include a lithium ion battery, or an alkaline battery, or other similar power source. In some embodiments, the battery may be recharged via a bus adapter on the nozzle 10, such as USB or the like. In some embodiments, the battery is wirelessly rechargeable. In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 may receive power from the main power source of the hair dryer or an external power source. In another embodiment, the nozzle 10 may receive power from an air-driven generator-type power source, an exemplary circuit of which is shown in FIG. 5. The electrical circuit of the generator power supply is provided downstream of the air inlet of the blower and/or nozzle 10 so that the passing air turns the generator which generates a voltage difference in response to the changing magnetic field caused by the rotation of the generator. In one example, the generator-type power supply is configured to generate 5V sufficient to power a plurality of typical microcontroller units 18 as described herein.

The temperature sensor 12 comprises a digital or analog sensor that detects the temperature of the air flowing through the nozzle 10. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 12 is configured to communicate temperature data to the microcontroller unit 18. For example, if the air temperature exceeds or falls below a predetermined limit, the microcontroller unit 18 may respond to temperature data by sounding an alarm via audible alarm 19, and/or activating a visible alarm via LED 17, and/or sending a shut down signal to the heating element or blower motor of the blower. In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 18 continuously measures and samples temperature via the temperature sensor 12 while the nozzle and/or blower is in use.

The humidity sensor 14 comprises a digital or analog sensor that detects the humidity (i.e., moisture) present in the air flowing through the nozzle 10 and/or located near the distal end of the nozzle 10 where the air exits the nozzle. In some embodiments, the humidity sensor 14 is configured to transmit humidity data to the microcontroller unit 18. For example, if the humidity level exceeds or falls below a predetermined limit, the microcontroller unit 18 may respond to the humidity data by sounding an alarm via the audible alarm 19, and/or activating a visible alarm via the LED 17, and/or sending a shut-off signal to the heating element or blower motor of the blower. In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 18 continuously measures and samples humidity levels via the humidity sensor 14 while the nozzle and/or blower is in use.

The air flow sensor 15 comprises a digital or analog sensor that detects the velocity of air flowing through the nozzle 10 and/or located near the distal end of the nozzle 10 where it exits. In some embodiments, the air flow sensor 15 is configured to transmit air flow data to the microcontroller unit 18. For example, if the speed of the air flow exceeds or falls below a predetermined limit due to a blockage or other malfunction, the microcontroller unit 18 may respond to the air flow data by sounding an alarm via the audible alarm 19, and/or activating a visible alarm via the LED 17, and/or sending a shut down signal to the blower motor of the blower. In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 18 continuously measures and samples airflow through the airflow sensor 15 while the nozzle and/or blower is in use.

As discussed above, the alarm Light Emitting Diode (LED)17 and the audible alarm 19 are in data communication with the microcontroller unit 18 such that the microcontroller unit 18 can trigger visual and/or audible alarms in response to a number of predetermined events or conditions detected by various sensors and other inputs/outputs of the nozzle 10. In some embodiments, the LEDs 17 may emit light of different colors and intensities. Likewise, the audible alarm 19 may emit different types, lengths, tones, and volumes of sound.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 includes a timer 111, the timer 111 being in data communication with the microcontroller unit 18. The timer 111 may act as a shut down timer in communication with the on/off switch 22 to shut down the blower after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. In some embodiments, the timer 111 is in data communication with other system components, such as the temperature sensor 12, humidity sensor 14, and/or airflow sensor 15, such that the microcontroller unit 18 can issue commands to a plurality of related system components based on a plurality of inputs and sensed data.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 includes a proximity detection circuit 200 (see fig. 4), the proximity detection circuit 200 allowing detection of the nozzle 10 and including an Infrared (IR) emitter 20 and receiver 21, and associated electronic components including a photodiode 23. In one example, the transmitter 20 emits an infrared signal outward, such that the infrared signal is deflected back to the receiver 21 when intercepted by an object 30 (e.g., a person's head, hair, or scalp). The detection circuit 200 generates a voltage level or voltage difference through the photodiode 23, which can be used to calculate the distance between the emitter and the object 30. The control and computation portions of the proximity detection circuit 200 may be separate from or embedded within the microcontroller unit 18. In some embodiments, the proximity detection circuit includes an operational amplifier and/or a general purpose integrated circuit. Other distance measuring circuits, such as various laser-based systems, may also be used. In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 18 continuously measures and samples proximity to a plurality of objects through the proximity detection circuit 200 while the nozzle and/or blower is in use. This allows the nozzle 10 to detect and alarm based on proximity to an object, such as a person's head, to enhance safety and effectiveness.

An on/off switch 22 is provided, the on/off switch 22 and the microcontroller unit 18 to open and close the nozzle 10. In some embodiments, the on/off switch 22 is configured as a slidable or rotatable potentiometer such that a user can set a limit for a particular condition or combination of conditions (e.g., distance, temperature, humidity, or time).

In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 includes a wireless communication module 16, such as a bluetooth or WiFi chip. The communication module 16 is in data communication with the microcontroller unit 18 and is configured to wirelessly connect the nozzle 10 to a variety of external devices, such as a computer, tablet, smart phone, smart watch, and the like.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 includes a display 110, the display 110 being in data communication with the microcontroller unit 18 to display various information relating to a plurality of conditions and performance of the nozzle 10. For example, the display may display temperature, humidity level, airflow rate, distance, battery level, wireless connection status, and other status information, as well as combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the display 110 is a touch panel display that also serves as an input device to control desired aspects of the nozzle 10.

The nozzle 10 may also include a camera 13, either video, still, or both, at its distal end or elsewhere, the camera 13 being employed to allow a person to remotely view the nozzle activity from a first-person perspective. As with the other system components, the camera 13 is in data communication with the microcontroller unit 18. For example, through a mobile application as discussed herein, a client may view a hairdresser's ongoing work on his/her smartphone or, alternatively, a user may more directly view his/her back head while drying his/her hair in order to use the blower more efficiently.

Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of the nozzle 10 is shown in which a rotatable air flow vane 40 is provided at the distal end of the nozzle 10. The airflow blade 40 includes an airflow discharge slot 41, and the airflow discharge slot 41 opens a part of the surface area of the blade 40. The airflow vane 40 may be rotated manually or by a small motor so that the user can position and direct the airflow out of the distal end of the nozzle 10. This allows the user to maintain the nozzle 10 and/or the blower upright in position, but direct airflow in any desired direction relative to the distal end of the nozzle 10, thereby making the operation of the nozzle 10 and/or the blower more ergonomic. For example, although the nozzle is positioned relatively parallel to the floor, the airflow may be directed upwardly. In addition to controlling direction, the vanes 40 may also be used to control the content and velocity of the air exiting the nozzle 10. Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the blade 40 is controlled by a blade controller 42, the blade controller 42 allowing for electronic actuation of the blade 40 by a motor.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 includes a UV-LED light system 112, and in some embodiments, the UV-LED light system 112 is located at the distal end of the nozzle 10. The light system 112 is configured to emit ultraviolet light from the working end of the nozzle 10 outwardly toward the target for disinfection (saniize) and other therapeutic treatment of the scalp and hair of the target. In some embodiments, the UV-LED light system 112 is adjustable to control the pulse width modulation and frequency of the ultraviolet light. FIG. 6 is an exemplary circuit diagram of one embodiment of the UV-LED light system 112.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 10 includes a liquid, fluid, or vapor dispenser 113, the liquid, fluid, or vapor dispenser 113 configured as an electronic nebulizer, a manual nebulizer, or an electronic vapor generator. The dispenser 113 may be configured as an "open" system, meaning that it may be connected to an external fluid supply through a port or aperture in the nozzle 10, or the dispenser 113 may be configured as a "closed" system, wherein a fillable bladder is provided in a cavity of the nozzle 10. In an electronic atomizer embodiment, the nozzle 10 includes a button or actuator configured for instantaneous use (i.e., spraying on demand), or automatic operation, wherein fluid is sprayed at predetermined intervals or based on a predetermined temperature, humidity, or airflow condition. In the embodiment of a hand sprayer, the nozzle 10 includes a mechanical trigger that actuates a conventional type of positive displacement pump action air sprayer of the siphonic air type. In an embodiment of an electric steam generator, a small electric steam generator (e.g., filament-based heater) is provided inside the nozzle 10 and/or blower that receives a supply of fluid from an external source or an internal water tank and heats this fluid to steam, which may be exhausted from the dispenser 113 on demand, or automatically without passing through a button or actuator on the nozzle 10 or blower. In some embodiments, the working fluid for the distributor 113 is water.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device configured with the nozzle 10 as an embedded system is shown, wherein all or most of the associated system components are electrically connected to the microcontroller 18, such that the microcontroller 18 can manage and control various system activities. In some embodiments, the embedded system provides and controls the distribution of power from the power supply 11 to one or more of the plurality of system components. Also, in some embodiments, the microcontroller 18 includes logic that allows the nozzle 10 to communicate with one or more external computing devices (e.g., a computer, smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, etc.) through the wireless module 16. This enables the user to control various characteristics of the nozzle 10 through an application program ("app") executing on the external device. In some embodiments, the external computing device establishes a two-way communication link with microcontroller 18 via wireless module 16 to implement and perform various features and functions, including monitoring system conditions, remote inspection of video/camera, and other remote control functions. In other embodiments, an external device may establish a communication link with the microcontroller 18 through a hard-wired connection, such as USB, by way of a bus connector on the nozzle 10. In some embodiments, a single bus connector on the nozzle 10 may enable both power and communication links.

As indicated above, the external computing device may comprise any smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other computing or mobile device capable of reading and/or recording data regarding multiple systems, multiple devices, multiple locations and/or multiple devices, etc. In some embodiments, either or both of the microcontroller 18 (as an embedded system) or the external computing device (hereinafter both a "computing system") includes a processing system, memory system, software, communication interfaces, and user interfaces. The processing system loads and executes software, including software modules, from the storage system. When executed by a computing system, the software modules direct the processing system to receive data, images, devices, locations, and/or equipment, among other things. Such data may include any information described above, including but not limited to the functions described throughout this disclosure. While the computing system includes a software module in this example, it should be understood that one or more modules may provide the same operation. Likewise, other computing systems and software may be used to distribute the multiple computing systems.

In addition, the computing system includes a communication interface (such as wireless module 16 in the example of microcontroller 18) that may be further configured to communicate the collected data to the computing system using a communication network. The communication network may include the internet, a cellular network, a satellite network, Radio Frequency (RF) communication, bluetooth type communication, near field, or any other form of communication network capable of facilitating communication between multiple systems. In some examples, the communication interface may further include a global positioning system to determine the location of the computing system.

The processing system may include a microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes software from the memory system. The processing system may be implemented in a single processing device, but may also be distributed over multiple processing devices or multiple subsystems that cooperate to execute multiple program instructions. Examples of processing systems include a general purpose central processing unit, an application specific processor, and a logic device, as well as any other type of processing device, combination of processing devices, or variations thereof. The storage system may include any storage media readable by the processing system and capable of storing software. The storage system may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. The storage system may be implemented as a single storage device, but may also be implemented across multiple storage devices or multiple subsystems. The storage system may include a number of additional elements, such as a controller capable of communicating with the processing system.

Examples of storage media include random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, virtual and non-virtual memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by an instruction execution system, and any combination or variation thereof, or any other type of storage medium. In some embodiments, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium. In some implementations, at least a portion of the storage medium may be temporary. It should be understood that, in no event, is the storage medium a propagated signal. Although shown as one software module, the software may be distributed on a number of devices, storage media and the like.

The user interface may include a mouse, a keyboard, a camera, image capture, a voice input device, a touch input device for receiving a gesture from a user, a motion input device for detecting non-touch gestures and other motions of a user, and other similar input devices and associated processing elements capable of receiving user input from a user. These input devices may be used to define and receive data regarding locations, maps, systems, devices, locations and/or equipment, etc. Multiple output devices may also be included in the user interface, such as a graphical display, speakers, printer, multiple haptic devices, and other types of output devices.

It is to be noticed that the term 'comprising', used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means listed thereafter. Thus, the scope of the expression "an apparatus comprising devices A and B" should not be limited to an apparatus consisting of only components A and B. This means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are a and B. In other words, the terms "include", "comprises" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

Likewise, it is to be noticed that the term 'coupled', also used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device a is coupled to a device B" should not be limited to devices or systems in which an output of device a is directly connected to an input of device B. This means that there exists a path between an output of a and an input of B, which may be a path including other devices or means.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The various elements of the invention that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, elements of the invention that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more other elements or other intermediaries.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the various embodiments described above, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. The description and drawings are not intended to limit the scope of exclusions of this patent document. It should be noted that various equivalents to the specific embodiments discussed in this specification may practice the invention as well. That is, while the invention has been described in conjunction with a number of specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims. The fact that a product, process, or method differs from one or more of the exemplary embodiments described above does not mean that the product or process is outside the scope of the following claims (literally and/or otherwise legally recognized).