Manual Razor Fluid Dispensing via Segmented Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet shaving razors face issues with high manufacturing costs and safety and performance problems due to microbial growth and clogging from liquid exposure to air, requiring a more efficient and cost-effective solution for fluid dispensing during shaving.
Innovation Solution
A manually actuable wet shaving razor with a replaceable or refillable fluid sachet and a pump mechanism that includes a check valve to prevent leakage, allowing for direct fluid dispensing to the skin with multiple dispensing points and a pivotally connected cartridge for easy replacement, featuring a movable or rigid pump wall to facilitate fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reservoir is incorporated in the razor structure to convey shaving preparation, then fluid dispensing during shaving is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase and safety/performance problems occur due to microbial growth and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The razor is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable handle and a replaceable cartridge containing the fluid reservoir. This segmentation allows the complex fluid dispensing system to be manufactured separately and attached to the handle, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the desired functionality of conveying shaving preparation during shaving.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge containing the fluid reservoir is designed as a disposable or replaceable component. Instead of manufacturing a permanent, high-cost integrated reservoir system, the invention uses a cheaper, replaceable cartridge that can be discarded when depleted, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while still enabling fluid dispensing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a reservoir is incorporated in the razor structure to convey shaving preparation, then fluid dispensing during shaving is enabled, but safety and performance problems occur due to microbial growth and clogging from liquid exposure to air
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid reservoir is extracted from the main razor body and placed within the replaceable cartridge. This extraction isolates the fluid storage function from the permanent razor structure, allowing the reservoir to be sealed and replaced periodically, thereby preventing microbial growth and clogging that would occur with a permanent, continuously exposed reservoir system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge containing the fluid reservoir is designed to be discarded when depleted or contaminated. This approach eliminates the problem of microbial growth and clogging by removing the source of contamination rather than attempting to maintain a permanent reservoir system, ensuring continuous reliability of the fluid dispensing function.
3Reliability
If multiple application steps are used with separate skin preparation products, then adequate skin preparation is achieved, but the shaving process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: the razor blade, the fluid reservoir, and the dispensing mechanism are combined in one unit. This allows the user to apply shaving preparation and perform shaving in a single continuous action, eliminating the need for separate application steps and reducing the overall shaving time while maintaining adequate skin preparation quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The razor is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as both a shaving tool and a fluid dispensing system. The single device performs multiple functions (cutting hair, applying lubrication, conditioning skin) that would traditionally require separate products and steps, thereby reducing the time and complexity of the shaving process while maintaining preparation quality.
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 convenient, cost-effective, and safe shaving experience by preventing clogging and microbial growth, allowing for controlled fluid dispensing and easy maintenance of the razor cartridge, enhancing user comfort and shaving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pump includes a wall, either movable or rigid, upon which force is acted upon to move the fluid through
Implementation Method 2
To prevent the fluid from leaking, the opening comprises a check valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention features a razor for dispensing a fluid during shaving. The razor includes a razor cartridge that is engageable to a handle. The razor cartridge has a housing, a cartridge connecting structure attached to the housing; at least one blade positioned in the housing; and an aperture that extends from the rear surface to the front surface of the housing. The handle has a cavity for housing a fluid; a manually-actuated pump located along the length of the handle, and a fluid dispensing member having a channel in fluid communication with the pump and having an opening at a terminal end. The fluid dispensing member projects outwardly from the proximal end of the handle such that the terminal end extends to or adjacent to the aperture in the housing. Actuation of the pump displaces fluid from the cavity to or adjacent to the front surface of the housing.