Razor Blade Columnar Metal Coating for Cutting Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing razor blades face challenges in optimizing cutting force and durability due to the thickness and shape of metal coating layers on substrates, particularly at the cutting edge and side surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A razor blade with a metal coating layer formed into columnar structures on the substrate, including the cutting edge, first surface, and second surface, which reduces cutting force and enhances durability during shaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal coating layer is formed on the substrate to improve durability and cutting force, then the blade durability is improved, but the cutting force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating columnar structures with different morphologies at different locations on the blade. The cutting edge region has columnar structures with specific aspect ratios optimized for cutting, while other regions have different columnar structures optimized for durability. This allows different regions to have tailored properties that resolve the contradiction between cutting force and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the metal coating layer by controlling the formation process to create columnar structures with specific dimensions, densities, and orientations. By adjusting parameters such as columnar structure height, diameter, and spacing during coating formation, the blade achieves optimal balance between cutting force and durability without requiring excessive coating thickness.
2Reliability
If the metal coating layer thickness is increased to improve durability, then the blade durability is improved, but the cutting edge sharpness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by ensuring that the columnar structures at the cutting edge have different characteristics compared to those on the blade body. The cutting edge region features columnar structures with smaller dimensions and higher density to maintain sharpness, while other regions have larger columnar structures that provide durability. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between thickness for durability and sharpness for cutting performance.
3Ease of operation
If a resin coating layer is added to improve lubrication performance, then the friction reducing effects are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the metal coating layer with a resin coating layer. The metal coating layer provides structural integrity and cutting edge durability, while the resin coating layer provides lubrication and friction reduction. This composite structure achieves multiple functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between improved lubrication performance and increased device complexity by integrating both materials into a unified coating 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
The columnar structure design improves blade durability and reduces cutting force, allowing for effective hair removal over a longer shaving lifespan compared to conventional blades.
Implementation Method 1
The metal coating layer may be formed by a method such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD).
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a razor blade and a razor cartridge including the same. The razor blade according to the present disclosure includes a substrate including a substrate tip, a first surface extending from the substrate tip to one side, and a second surface extending from the substrate tip to the other side, and a metal coating layer formed on the first surface, the second surface, and the substrate tip, in which the metal coating layer includes a plurality of columnar structures formed toward an outside of the substrate.