Integrated Razor Dispensing Unit for Airless Shaving Aid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair removal methods, such as wet shaving, are inconvenient due to the need for multiple products and steps, often resulting in a messy process and extended time, with safety and performance issues related to microbial growth and clogging in razors.

Innovation Solution

A hair removal kit with a handle, removable cartridge, and integrated dispensing unit that includes a pump, applicator, and reservoir, allowing for the dispensing of a liquid shaving aid directly from the handle, reducing the need for separate products and minimizing exposure to air to prevent microbial growth and clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reservoir is incorporated in the razor structure to convey shaving preparation, then the need for separate products is reduced, but microbial growth and clogging occur due to continued exposure of liquid to air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of shaving aid dispensingVSAvoidmicrobial growth and clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reservoir is configured as an airless container that prevents air from contacting the shaving preparation liquid. The pump system draws liquid through sealed pathways, maintaining an inert environment that prevents microbial growth and oxidation throughout the product's shelf life and usage period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

A pump mechanism serves as an intermediary between the reservoir and the dispensing location. This intermediary component enables controlled liquid conveyance through sealed pathways, preventing direct exposure to air while maintaining reliable product delivery to the shaving head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple products and application steps are used for wet shaving, then adequate skin preparation is achieved, but the process becomes messy and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin preparation qualityVSAvoidshaving process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The razor assembly integrates the shaving preparation dispensing system directly with the shaving head and handle. The pump, reservoir, and applicator are combined into a single unified device, allowing users to apply shaving aid and perform shaving in one continuous action without separate products or steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The razor assembly performs multiple functions: it stores shaving preparation liquid, dispenses it onto the skin, and executes the shaving action. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate shaving cream, applicator, and razor, streamlining the entire grooming routine into one tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If a pump system is integrated into the handle, then liquid dispensing is automated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid dispensing automationVSAvoiddispensing unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system is designed to be manually activated by the user through simple interaction with the handle or button. The mechanism leverages user input to automatically convey liquid from the reservoir to the applicator, providing automated dispensing without requiring complex mechanical assemblies or external power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 kit provides a convenient, efficient hair removal experience by integrating shaving aid dispensing directly into the device, reducing mess and time, while preventing microbial growth and clogging, thus enhancing user comfort and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The dispensing unit has a pump, an applicator in liquid communication with the pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP2632656B1Liquid dispensing razor
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP2632656B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2632656B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2632656B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A hair removal kit having a handle, a cover removably engagable to the handle, and a cartridge removably engagable to the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade. A removable dispensing unit is disposed within the handle. The dispensing unit has a pump, an applicator in liquid communication with the pump, and a reservoir having a first position and a second position. The reservoir is in liquid communication with the pump in the second position, but not in liquid communication with the pump in the first position.