Razor Cartridge Converging Flowpaths Prevent Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid dispensing razors face issues with clogging and microbial growth due to exposure of the liquid to air, leading to performance problems and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A manually actuatable liquid dispensing razor with a replaceable cartridge and reservoir system, featuring a fluid dispensing member with converging flowpaths and a manually-actuated pump, which includes a resilient tube with valves to prevent backflow and contamination, and a collapsible reservoir with air flow orifices to prevent clogging and microbial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reservoir is incorporated in the razor structure to convey shaving preparation, then the convenience of single-step shaving is improved, but the risk of microbial growth and clogging increases due to liquid exposure to air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reservoir from the traditional handle structure and relocates it to the cartridge assembly. This allows the reservoir to be replaced simultaneously with the blade cartridge, removing contaminated liquid reservoirs from the system and preventing prolonged exposure to air that causes microbial growth and clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a pre-filled sealed reservoir that is hermetically sealed until use. The liquid is prepared and sealed in advance, preventing any exposure to air during storage and transport. The sealing is broken only when the cartridge is installed and the liquid is needed, eliminating the risk of microbial contamination during the liquid's storage period
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex inner workings are incorporated for liquid conveyance, then the liquid dispensing capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid conveyance function directly into the cartridge assembly that already contains the blade. The reservoir, pump mechanism, and blade unit are combined into a single replaceable cartridge, eliminating the need for separate complex liquid delivery systems in the handle. This integration simplifies manufacturing while maintaining full liquid dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-servicing. The reservoir is pre-filled and sealed, the pump mechanism is pre-assembled and calibrated, and the entire unit is replaced as one package when the blade becomes dull or the liquid is depleted. This eliminates the need for separate maintenance, cleaning, or refilling operations, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity
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 a cost-effective and reliable liquid dispensing system that minimizes clogging and microbial growth, ensuring consistent performance by ensuring fluid flow through converging flowpaths and using a pump with one-way valves and a collapsible reservoir for pressure compensation.
Implementation Method 1
a manually-actuated pump, which includes a resilient tube with valves to prevent backflow and contamination
Implementation Method 2
a collapsible reservoir with air flow orifices to prevent clogging and microbial growth
Implementation Method 3
The dispensing member flowpaths converge from the dispensing member supply end openings to the dispensing member discharge end openings such that the cross-sections of the dispensing member flowpaths decrease from the two dispensing member supply end openings to the two dispensing member discharge end openings
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention features a razor (100) for dispensing a fluid during shaving. The razor includes a handle (200) and a razor cartridge (300) removably attached to the handle. The razor cartridge includes a housing (302) having a front surface (308) and a rear surface (310) and an aperture (316) that extends from the rear surface to the front surface. A cartridge connecting structure (312) is attached to the rear surface of the housing and includes a fluid dispensing member (318) disposed therein. The fluid dispensing member includes a converging flowpath (320a, 320b) that is in fluid communication with the aperture in the housing.