Manually Actuable Razor Fluid Dispensing with Check Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet shaving razors with integrated fluid dispensing systems face issues of high manufacturing costs and safety concerns due to microbial growth and clogging caused by exposure of the fluid to air, leading to non-performing products.
Innovation Solution
A manually actuable wet shaving razor design featuring a handle with a cavity and a manually-actuated pump that displaces fluid through a supply channel to a dispensing aperture near the blade, incorporating a fluid dispensing member with check valves to prevent leakage and clogging, and a replaceable or refillable sachet for the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluid reservoir is exposed to air for dispensing, then the fluid can be delivered to the skin, but microbial growth and clogging occur leading to non-performing products
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid reservoir and the dispensing aperture. The valve controls fluid flow only when actuated by the user, preventing continuous exposure to air while enabling on-demand dispensing. This mediator component isolates the fluid from environmental contamination during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected environment within the handle by limiting air exposure to the fluid reservoir. The valve system maintains an inert or controlled atmosphere within the fluid pathway, preventing microbial growth by excluding oxygen and contaminants until the moment of intentional dispensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated fluid dispensing system is incorporated in the razor handle, then fluid can be delivered during shaving, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid dispensing system is segmented into modular components: a removable cartridge containing the fluid reservoir and valve mechanism, integrated with the razor handle. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components using cost-effective materials and processes, while maintaining the functionality of an integrated system during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or replaceable cartridge design where the fluid reservoir and associated components can be discarded or replaced when depleted. This approach reduces manufacturing costs by using simpler, less durable materials for the cartridge portion while maintaining a reusable handle, balancing versatility with cost-effectiveness.
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 safe shaving experience by ensuring consistent fluid delivery directly to the skin during shaving, reducing the need for multiple products and minimizing exposure to air, thus preventing microbial growth and clogging.
Implementation Method 1
a manually-actuated pump located along the length of the handle. The pump is adapted to displace the fluid from the cavity through a supply channel to an opening at the proximal end of the handle
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a fluid dispensing member with check valves to prevent leakage and clogging
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), a razor cartridge (300), and a fluid dispensing member (318) joined to the cartridge. The handle includes a cavity (208) for housing a fluid (210) and a manually-actuated pump (212) to displace the fluid from the cavity through a supply channel (214) to an opening (216) at the proximal end (204) of the handle. The razor cartridge includes a cartridge connecting structure (312) attached to the housing (302), at least one blade (314) positioned in the housing, and an aperture (316) that extends from the rear surface (310) to the front surface (308) of the housing. The fluid dispensing member has a dispensing channel (320) with an opening (322) at a supply end (324) and an opening (326) at a dispensing end (328). The supply end is configured to engage the opening in the supply channel. The dispensing end projects outwardly and extends to or adjacent to the aperture in the housing.