Metathesized Polyol Ester Lubricant for Razor Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaving aids face limitations in providing both lubrication and skin care benefits due to the negative impact of oils on the water-insoluble polymer matrix, leading to reduced performance and manufacturing challenges such as thermal degradation and barrel slip during processing.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating member comprising a metathesized unsaturated polyol ester with specific molecular weight and iodine value ranges, combined with a lipophilic structurant and a water-soluble polymer, which enhances skin conditioning and lubrication while being tolerant to high pH conditions and allowing for the inclusion of additional skin care oils without thermal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If oils are added to provide skin care benefits, then skin conditioning performance is improved, but swelling and solubility of the water-insoluble polymer matrix is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oil by using metathesized unsaturated polyol esters with specific molecular weights (5,000-50,000 Daltons) and iodine values (30-200), which have different rheological properties from conventional oils. This allows the oil to provide skin conditioning benefits while being compatible with the polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining metathesized unsaturated polyol esters, water-soluble polymers (polyox), and water-insoluble polymer matrices. This composite approach allows the oil and polymer to work synergistically rather than antagonistically, maintaining both skin care benefits and lubrication performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional oils are used, then skin care benefits are provided, but spreading characteristics are insufficient or excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the rheological parameters of the oil by selecting metathesized unsaturated polyol esters with specific molecular weights and iodine values. This control over molecular structure enables tuning of spreading characteristics to achieve optimal performance - neither too little nor too much spreading.
3Productivity
If injection molding or extrusion processes are used, then manufacturing is enabled, but thermal degradation of oils occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses metathesized unsaturated polyol esters that are more thermally stable and resistant to degradation during high-temperature processing. While not explicitly disposable, these materials can withstand the harsh manufacturing conditions better than conventional oils, effectively serving as a more durable alternative that maintains performance after processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition parameters of the oil are modified through metathesis to create molecules that are more resistant to thermal degradation. The specific molecular weight and iodine value ranges indicate a structure that maintains stability under the elevated temperatures and shear forces of injection molding and extrusion processes.
4Ease of operation
If oils are added to enhance glide performance, then lubrication is improved, but barrel slip and conveying inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the lubricating oil by using metathesized unsaturated polyol esters with controlled molecular weights and iodine values. This creates a material with optimal viscosity and flow characteristics that provides good glide performance during shaving while maintaining consistent conveying behavior during manufacturing processes.
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 solution provides sustained lubrication and skin care benefits during and after shaving, while avoiding the manufacturing issues associated with oil-based ingredients, ensuring a stable and effective shaving experience.
Implementation Method 1
Versions of metathesized unsaturated polyol esters provide unexpectedly improved skin conditioning benefits after the shave and lubrication during the shave
Implementation Method 2
a water-soluble polymer, such as polyethylene oxide (polyox), in order to provide lubrication during the shave once the water-soluble polymer forms a solution with the water present during shaving
Implementation Method 3
a lipophilic structurant and optionally a water soluble polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lubricating member for a razor cartridge comprising a lipid phase comprising a lipophilic structurant and a liquid phase, wherein said liquid phase comprises a metathesized unsaturated polyol ester which can be manufactured in a simple one batch process without thermal degradation and exhibiting improved lubricating and skin care properties over a sustained period.