Razor Cartridge Elastomeric Seal for Gap Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Razor cartridges with small gaps between blades are prone to clogging with shaving debris, making rinsing difficult and affecting performance, while attempts to widen gaps for better rinsibility conflict with comfort and blade structure irregularities.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric linear seal is integrated between the intermediate non-cutting structure and the razor blades, extending along the leading edge and castellated for enhanced contact, formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and hydrophilic polymer to seal any gap, including those on bent blades, ensuring complete closure and lubricious benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small gap is provided between the intermediate structure and razor blade for skin engagement, then comfort is improved, but the gap becomes prone to clogging with shaving debris
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric seal in the form of a thin flexible film is applied to the intermediate structure, allowing it to conform to and seal against the razor blade surface. This flexible film maintains the small gap for skin engagement while preventing debris accumulation through its sealing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal acts as an intermediary element between the intermediate structure and the razor blade, mediating the interaction by providing both the necessary contact for comfort and the sealing function to prevent clogging. The seal transfers the dual requirements of gap maintenance and debris prevention.
2Productivity
If the gap between blades is widened to improve rinsibility, then debris removal is enhanced, but comfort and performance are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal provides a flexible barrier that allows the gap to remain small for comfort while enabling effective rinsing through its material properties. The seal's flexibility accommodates the rinsing flow while maintaining the gap dimensions necessary for comfortable shaving.
3Reliability
If a rigid seal structure is used to close gaps completely, then clogging is prevented, but adaptability to irregular blade structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal's flexibility allows it to adapt to various blade geometries and surface irregularities while maintaining effective sealing. The material can deform to conform to bent blades and non-flat surfaces, providing reliable gap closure across different blade configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material properties (such as hardness, elasticity, and viscosity) can be adjusted to optimize the seal's adaptability to different blade structures. By changing the material parameters, the seal can effectively seal gaps on both flat and bent blades while maintaining reliability.
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 elastomeric seal effectively prevents clogging, enhances joint strength, and improves rinsibility by sealing gaps, ensuring smooth shaving performance and comfort, even with irregular blade structures.
Implementation Method 1
An intermediate non-cutting and skin engaging structure is positioned between the first and the second razor blade. The leading edge region has an elastomeric linear seal contacting the first razor blade.
Implementation Method 2
The linear seal comprises a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and a hydrophilic polymer
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A razor cartridge has a housing with a blade mounting region between a guard and a cap. A first and a second razor blade are sequentially mounted in the blade mounting region with an intermediate non-cutting and skin engaging structure between the blades. The intermediate structure has a leading edge region closest the guard and at or adjacent a skin engaging surface of the intermediate structure. The leading edge region of the intermediate structure has an elastomeric linear seal contacting the first razor blade to seal any gap between the intermediate structure and the first blade.