Laser Marking Razor Blades Permanent Date Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing razor blade marking techniques using solvent-based ink are hazardous, non-permanent, and inconsistent, with excessive energy consumption in printing processes, and limited precision in date coding.

Innovation Solution

The use of laser-produced markings on razor blades, including laser marking, etching, and engraving processes, which are safer, more permanent, and allow for accurate date coding without deforming the surface, enabling in-line processing and precise font options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solvent-based ink printing processes are used to mark razor blades, then markings can be applied to blade surfaces, but the markings are non-permanent and can be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanence of markingVSAvoidmarking process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical ink printing system with a laser-based marking system. The laser directly marks the blade surface through ablation or coloration without requiring solvents, ink layers, or complex printing mechanisms. This substitution provides permanent markings while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating ink application and drying steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the blade surface through laser energy input. By controlling laser parameters (power, speed, pulse duration), the surface undergoes permanent modification through melting, vaporization, or coloration, creating durable markings that resist removal unlike ink-based methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If solvent-based ink is used for marking, then trade names and designs can be applied, but the ink material is hazardous and highly flammable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety hazardsVSAvoidmarking process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the harmful solvent-based ink system entirely and replaces it with a laser-based system that uses controlled energy input to mark the surface. This conversion removes fire hazards and toxic inhalation risks while maintaining or improving productivity through faster marking speeds and elimination of drying time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the chemical ink application system with a physical laser marking system. This replacement eliminates all hazards associated with solvent-based inks (flammability, toxicity) while achieving permanent markings through direct surface modification, thereby improving both safety and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional ink printing processes are used, then markings can be applied to blade surfaces, but excessive energy is utilized for the printing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmarking consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive ink printing system with a more efficient laser marking system. The laser directly energizes the surface material to create permanent markings, eliminating the need for ink application, drying, and curing processes that consume excessive energy. This substitution reduces overall energy consumption while improving marking consistency through precise laser control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If ink printing is used to mark razor blades, then markings can be applied, but the markings are printed in an inconsistent fashion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarking consistencyVSAvoidprinting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex ink printing system with a laser marking system that offers superior precision and consistency. The laser's focused energy beam, controlled by precise positioning systems, creates uniform markings without the variability inherent in ink application methods. This substitution simplifies the overall system while dramatically improving marking consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Laser markings provide faster, legible, and accurate date codes on razor blades, improving safety and traceability while maintaining the integrity of the blade surface, and enabling higher production speeds compared to traditional ink-based methods.

Implementation Method 1

A method of providing a marking on razor blades of the present invention includes the steps of providing one or more lasers, the one or more lasers producing one or more markings on the razor blades

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The one or more laser produced markings are produced using a laser marking process, a laser etching process or a laser engraving process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3554735A1Razor blades

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 THE GILLETTE CO

AI summary

This invention relates to razor blades, and more particularly to laser produced markings on razor blades and processes thereof.