Dual-Head Trimmer with Motor Switching Mechanism

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 - A trimmer comprising a fuselage (1), a motor (2) inside, a shaver group (4), and a pruning shear group (3). The groups are adjacent. The shaver has a first driven carriage (41) and the shear has a second driven carriage (31). The motor axle connects to a swinging mounting (21). When the mounting swings to coordinate with the first carriage, the motor drives the shaver. When it swings to coordinate with the second carriage, the motor drives the shear.

Claim 2 - The carriages have Y-shaped grooves. The swinging mounting has switching posts (21a) that enter the small ends of these grooves to link the motor to the respective carriage.

Claim 3 - Two sets of switching posts are used. One set engages one carriage while the other set is idle, allowing closer spacing of the heads.

Claim 4 - The shear group includes a fixed rack (32) with elastic components. It has a stationary knife head (33) and a dynamic cutter head (34) with zigzag engagement.

Claim 5 - The fixed rack has side and lower fixture blocks that snap into draw-in grooves and jump rings on the fuselage to lock the assembly.

Claim 6 - The shaver group includes an installing rack (42) with reset springs (43). The first driven carriage extends forward with a mounting post (44) holding the shaver (46).

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific structure in China requires the owner’s permission. However, the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, manufacturing or selling this design in the United States is not restricted by this specific Chinese patent.

Before tooling, review these two issues:

• Other patents may exist. Electric trimmers and grooming devices are a crowded field with many existing US patents covering motor drives, blade shapes, and housing designs. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure no other active US patents cover similar dual-head switching mechanisms or specific blade geometries.
• Design specifics. The Y-groove switching mechanism is unique to this patent. Alternative switching methods (e.g., electronic selection or different mechanical cams) would avoid this patent but may introduce other IP risks.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• FCC Part 15: If the device includes wireless charging or Bluetooth connectivity, FCC certification is required. Standard wired chargers generally do not need FCC ID but must comply with EMC rules.
• UL 60335: Safety standard for household electrical appliances. Batteries must comply with UN 38.3 for transport.
• FDA Registration: While not a medical device, grooming tools are consumer products. Ensure materials are safe for skin contact.
• California Prop 65: Warning labels may be needed for certain plastics or battery components sold in California.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define target price, quantity, and feature set (battery vs corded).
2. Design - CAD modeling of the fuselage, swinging mount, and carriage interfaces.
3. Prototype - 3D-printed housings and off-the-shelf motors to test switching mechanics.
4. Pilot Run - Injection molding trials, motor assembly, and durability testing.
5. Production - Mass injection molding, stainless steel blade stamping, assembly, and packaging.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling for the plastic housing and metal blades takes several weeks. Injection molds for the complex internal carriers require precision engineering to ensure the Y-groove switches operate smoothly without binding. Certification tests for safety and EMC add time before shipment. Send us your target quantity, battery preference, and color scheme and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

Injection molding is likely the primary process for the fuselage and internal carriers, given the complex geometry of the Y-grooves. Stainless steel forming would be used for the shear blades and fixed racks. Motor assembly involves press-fitting or screwing the rotor/stator into the housing. Electroplating may be applied to exterior accents for aesthetic appeal.

Cost drivers

Material grade of the plastic typically affects durability and feel. Plating thickness on metal parts influences corrosion resistance and cost. Seal and gasket quality is critical if any water resistance is desired. Packaging complexity also typically impacts final landed cost.

Prototyping path

Start with 3D-printed housings to verify the swinging mount fit. Off-the-shelf seals are typically used for initial water spray tests. Conduct plating trials on coupons to check adhesion. Finally, move to tooling for pilot batches once the mechanical switch action is confirmed.

What we would change before tooling

We would likely adjust the wall thickness of the carrier arms to prevent flexing during operation. Joint design between the fixed rack and fuselage should be reinforced to handle snap-fit stresses. Shaft alignment tolerances for the motor and swinging mount need tightening to reduce noise.

Common failure points

Spring fatigue is a risk for the reset mechanisms in the shaver group. Hinge fatigue could occur in the swinging mounting if the material is too brittle. Water ingress at seams might damage the motor if not properly sealed. Edge hardness and wear on the shear blades determine longevity.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the switch between shaver and shear work?

The device uses a single motor connected to a swinging arm. This arm has posts that slide into Y-shaped grooves on the internal carriages. By moving the external switch, you direct the arm to engage either the shaver carriage or the shear carriage, activating only the selected head.

Is the motor powerful enough for both functions?

The patent specifies a single motor drives both heads. Performance depends on the motor rating chosen during design. Typically, manufacturers select a motor torque sufficient for the heaviest load (usually the shears) to ensure both functions operate effectively.

Can I remove the heads for cleaning?

According to the patent description, the heads are fixed to the fuselage using snap-fit fixture blocks and draw-in groves. They are designed to stay attached to prevent loss, which differs from traditional removable blade systems. Cleaning methods would depend on the final waterproofing level.

What materials are used for the blades?

The patent mentions a stationary knife head and a dynamic cutter head with zigzag engagement. In production, these are typically made from stainless steel. Ceramic coatings or alternative alloys can be specified to enhance sharpness retention.

Does this design support rechargeable batteries?

Yes, the fuselage houses the motor and can accommodate a battery pack. The patent focuses on the mechanical switching, so battery chemistry (NiMH or Li-ion) and capacity are determined during the industrial design phase based on runtime goals.

Why use Y-shaped grooves for the switch?

The Y-groove design allows for precise engagement with minimal movement. The small end locks the drive, while the large end disengages it. This reduces wear on the switching posts and provides a tactile, reliable click when changing modes.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent was filed in China and is in force there. The public record shows no US counterpart, so this specific Chinese patent does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States. However, other US patents may cover similar technologies, so a freedom-to-operate check is advised.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN105459163B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (barber supply brand, Amazon seller, OEM factory)
• Power source preference (corded, rechargeable battery type)
• Target retail price and estimated volume
• Desired features (waterproofing, LED indicators, specific colors)
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

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