Polymeric Handle Material with Inorganic Filler for Weight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal care implement handles, especially those made of light plastic materials like polypropylene, lack comfort and maneuverability, leading to poor user experience and quality perception due to inadequate weight and ergonomic design.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric handle material comprising a polymer base material, such as polyamide or styrene acrylonitrile resin, combined with a high percentage of inorganic filler material like zinc oxide, providing increased density and thermal conductivity, along with a fiber-reinforced core-connector unit for enhanced strength and stability, and a thermoplastic elastomer for improved grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If common plastic materials like polypropylene are used for the handle, then the manufacturing cost is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the weight is insufficient leading to poor comfort and quality perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a polymer base material with inorganic filler materials (such as metal powders, glass beads, or ceramic particles) to create a handle material that achieves higher density and weight. This composite approach allows the handle to provide improved comfort and quality perception while maintaining manufacturability through injection molding processes.
2Weight of moving object
If the cross-sectional area of the handle is increased to compensate for light weight, then the weight and comfort are improved, but the ease of rotating the brush in the hand is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter (density) rather than the geometric parameter (cross-sectional area) to increase handle weight. By using inorganic filler materials with high density, the handle achieves the desired weight and comfort without increasing its dimensions, thereby maintaining ease of rotation and maneuverability in the hand.
3Weight of moving object
If a high percentage of inorganic filler material is used to increase density and weight, then the comfort and quality perception are improved, but the manufacturing precision and material processing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the filler material content within a specific range (30-80 wt%) to balance weight enhancement with manufacturing feasibility. This parameter optimization ensures that the composite material maintains adequate flow properties and moldability during injection molding, achieving satisfactory manufacturing precision while still providing the desired weight increase for comfort.
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 results in a handle that offers superior comfort, improved handling properties, and a high-quality perception by providing a balanced weight distribution and enhanced durability, allowing for effective and precise use over an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
providing increased density and thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
providing increased density and thermal conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric handle material for a personal care implement comprises a polymer base material, and a filler material, preferably an inorganic filler material, wherein the polymer base material is selected from the group of polyamide, styrene acrylonitrile resin, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, recycled plastic materials, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the filler material constitutes from about 50 wt % to about 80 wt %, preferably from about 70 wt % to about 75 wt %, of the polymeric handle material.