Erodable Solid Moisturizing Composition for Hair Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair removal devices face challenges in providing effective skin moisturization while maintaining mechanical and rheological properties, as hydrophilic polymers are washed away during use and hydrophobic emollients can be over-delivered initially and increase friction, leading to a less pleasant experience.

Innovation Solution

A hair removal device with an erodable, solid moisturizing composition comprising a water-insoluble structuring polymer and a hydrophobic phase of petrolatum, esters, and waxes, which provides sustained skin moisturization and improved wear properties, including a Chatillon Hardness range of 0.50 - 3.25 kg, ensuring even distribution and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrophilic polymers are used to bind water for skin moisturization, then water-binding ability is improved, but the materials are washed away during wet shaving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater-binding abilityVSAvoiddurability during use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity, transitioning from water-binding polymers to water-insoluble structuring polymers combined with hydrophobic emollients. This parameter change allows the composition to resist washing away while maintaining moisturization through occlusion rather than water binding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining water-insoluble structuring polymers with hydrophobic emollients in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the structural integrity of the polymer network and the moisturizing properties of the hydrophobic phase to achieve both durability and moisturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If occlusive hydrophobic emollients are used to retain water on skin, then moisturization is improved, but mechanical and rheological properties become unsuitable for onboard chemistry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisturization effectivenessVSAvoidmechanical and rheological properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the concentration parameters of hydrophobic emollients, limiting them to 60-95% of the total composition rather than higher proportions. This parameter control prevents excessive softness while maintaining moisturization benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention develops a composite material where water-insoluble structuring polymers (3-40%) provide mechanical strength and structural stability, while hydrophobic emollients (60-95%) provide moisturization. The synergistic interaction between these components resolves the contradiction between softness and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If hydrophobic emollients are used in significant proportions, then moisturization is improved, but drag across skin increases due to affinity with hydrophobic skin surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisturization effectivenessVSAvoidfriction and drag
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of hydrophobic emollients to 60-95% of the total composition, balancing moisturization benefits with acceptable friction levels. This parameter optimization prevents excessive drag while maintaining effective moisturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material system combines hydrophobic emollients with water-insoluble structuring polymers, where the polymer network modulates the overall surface properties. This composite approach reduces excessive affinity with the hydrophobic skin surface compared to pure hydrophobic emollient systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Duration of action of stationary object

If hydrophobic emollients are used in onboard chemistry, then sustained moisturization is achieved, but composition integrity may be impaired by contact with hair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesustained moisturizationVSAvoidcomposition integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite material where water-insoluble structuring polymers form a robust network that maintains composition integrity during contact with hair. The hydrophobic emollients are distributed within this network, providing sustained moisturization without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies that water-insoluble structuring polymers should constitute 3-40% of the composition, providing sufficient structural support to maintain integrity during use while allowing adequate hydrophobic emollient content for sustained moisturization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively deposits hydrophobic materials onto the skin during multiple uses, increasing skin tension and reducing friction, resulting in a more pleasant hair removal experience while maintaining flexibility and hardness.

Implementation Method 1

a water-insoluble structuring polymer comprising a block copolymer comprising a di-block copolymer, a tri-block copolymer, a multi-block copolymer, a radial block copolymer, a random block copolymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymer structuring:

Implementation Method 2

occlusive, hydrophobic materials which cover the skin and therefore act to retain water already present in the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOcclusion:

Implementation Method 3

an erodable, solid moisturizing composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectErosion: Erosion

Data Source

PatentEP2536390B1Hair removal device comprising erodable moisturizer
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 THE GILLETTE CO

AI summary

A hair removal device is provided comprising an erodable, solid moisturizing composition, the erodable, solid moisturizing composition comprising: a. A water-insoluble structuring polymer; b. At least 50% moisturizing hydrophobic phase by weight of the solid moisturizing composition.