Pivoting Fluid Connector for Razor Reservoir Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing personal care appliances, such as shaving razors, are bulky and complex, with difficult loading and unloading of fluid containers, and are prone to microbial growth and clogging due to fluid exposure, leading to performance issues and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing razor design featuring a pivoting fluid connector and a resilient elastomeric tube pump assembly that allows for efficient fluid delivery and easy loading/unloading of a fluid reservoir, with a sealing mechanism to prevent contamination and clogging, and a pivoting mechanism to facilitate access for fluid reservoir handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid dispensing system is integrated into the razor handle, then fluid delivery capability is improved, but device size and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid reservoir is nested within the razor handle structure, with the pump assembly integrated into the same housing. The connector is recessed within the handle, allowing the fluid dispensing system to be contained within the existing razor footprint rather than adding external bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to pivot between a first position (engaged with the reservoir) and a second position (disengaged), allowing dynamic adjustment of the fluid pathway. This pivoting mechanism enables the system to compact when not in use while maintaining functionality when needed.
2Ease of operation
If sufficient space is provided for loading and unloading fluid containers, then ease of operation is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting connector allows the user to easily disengage the reservoir from the handle by simply moving the connector to its second position, eliminating the need for complex release mechanisms or large access openings. The dynamic pivoting action provides intuitive loading and unloading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid dispensing system is segmented into separable components (reservoir, connector, handle), allowing the reservoir to be independently loaded and unloaded without requiring the entire device to open or disassemble. This modular approach simplifies operation while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid reservoir is exposed to air during storage, then ease of access is improved, but microbial growth and clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is extracted from the handle and designed as a separate, movable component that can be positioned to engage or disengage from the reservoir. When disengaged, the reservoir opening is sealed, preventing air exposure and microbial contamination while maintaining easy access when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting connector acts as an intermediary between the handle and reservoir, controlling fluid flow and sealing the reservoir opening when disengaged. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain isolation (preventing contamination) while enabling controlled access (easy loading and dispensing) when needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If a complex pump assembly is used for fluid delivery, then fluid dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed as a simple, disposable component integrated with the reservoir cartridge. Rather than using a complex, reusable pump mechanism, the system employs a simpler pump design that can be easily manufactured and replaced, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate dispensing precision.
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 design results in a more compact, user-friendly, and cost-effective fluid dispensing system that reduces microbial growth and clogging, improving the shaving experience by integrating fluid delivery directly into the razor, enhancing skin care during the hair removal process.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient elastomeric tube pump assembly
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A fluid dispensing razor with a handle defining a cavity configured to receive a fluid reservoir. A fluid dispensing cartridge is mounted to the handle. A fluid connector is pivotably coupled to the handle. The fluid connector has a neutral position and a biased loading position. The fluid connector in the biased loading position is inclined at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the fluid connector in the neutral position.