Lubrication Box with Compressed Shaving Aid for Consistent Wet Shaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubrication strips in wet shaving razors suffer from excessive initial leaching of shaving aids, leading to insufficient lubrication over time, and the co-extruded/co-molded designs face limitations in flexibility and swelling issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication box with a first portion having a skin-engaging surface and sidewalls forming a cavity, where a pre-formed shaving aid is placed and compressed to fill holes, and a second portion is attached to allow expansion, creating a gap for even distribution and prolonged lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water soluble component is dispersed throughout a water insoluble matrix in a lubrication strip, then the lubrication strip maintains integrity during normal use, but the shaving aid leaches superfluously during the first few shaves and provides insufficient lubrication in later shaves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and release parameters of the shaving aid by using an insoluble matrix that gradually degrades or erodes over time, controlling the release rate of the water-soluble shaving aid component to provide consistent lubrication across multiple shaves rather than initial excessive leaching followed by deficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication strip is designed to provide continuous lubrication by ensuring the shaving aid is released at a controlled rate throughout the entire shaving life of the razor cartridge, maintaining useful action from first to last shave rather than providing only initial lubrication that depletes quickly
2Reliability
If a co-extruded core and sheath set-up is used with holes for leaching, then the lubrication element can provide shaving aid, but the design lacks flexibility and experiences swelling problems during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible insoluble matrix material that can accommodate swelling of the water-soluble core without compromising the structural integrity or causing leakage issues, allowing the lubrication element to adapt to volume changes during normal use while maintaining its functional properties
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication element uses a composite structure combining a water-soluble shaving aid component with a water-insoluble flexible matrix, where the matrix provides structural support and flexibility while the soluble component provides the lubricating function, creating a material that addresses both lubrication effectiveness and adaptability to swelling
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
This design ensures consistent and prolonged lubrication by allowing the shaving aid to expand and dissolve evenly, maintaining effectiveness throughout the razor's lifespan while preventing wastage and flexibility issues.
Implementation Method 1
The water soluble component that is dispersed throughout a water insoluble matrix. The water insoluble matrix maintains the integrity of the lubrication strip during normal use, permitting water soluble components to dissolve in the water present during normal shaving.
Implementation Method 2
A gap exists between in the cavity between the shaving aid and the second portion of the lubrication box to permit the shaving aid material to expand during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the present invention, a lubrication box includes a first portion, a shaving aid material, and a second portion. The first portion of the lubrication box has a skin-engaging surface and at least one sidewall that, together, form a cavity. The skin-engaging surface includes at least two holes therethrough. The shaving aid material is pre-formed in a pre-determined shape, placed in the first portion of the lubrication box, and then compressed. The second portion of the lubrication box is attached to the first portion such that the cavity is substantially closed. A gap exists between in the cavity between the shaving aid and the second portion of the lubrication box to permit the shaving aid material to expand during normal use.