Razor Fluid Delivery Control via Stroke-Sensing Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing razor dispensing systems struggle to control the delivery of shaving enhancement products effectively, often resulting in excessive fluid application and continued dispensing after the blade is removed from the skin.
Innovation Solution
A razor with an electrically actuable dispensing device controlled by a proximity-sensitive system that actuates the fluid delivery for a predetermined period when the razor is in contact with the skin, using an electric pump and pulse width modulation to ensure precise metering, and includes a delay mechanism to restrict fluid delivery during rapid shaving strokes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a valve is used to release fluid from the reservoir under pressure, then fluid delivery is enabled, but excessive amounts of fluid are dispensed and delivery cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is actuated periodically based on shaving stroke detection rather than continuously. The control device monitors blade-skin contact and activates the valve only during actual shaving strokes, creating periodic fluid delivery that matches usage patterns and prevents excessive dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the blade unit's contact with the skin to control fluid delivery. The control device receives signals from the blade unit's position and uses this feedback to activate or deactivate the solenoid valve, ensuring fluid is delivered only when the blade is actually contacting the skin during shaving.
2Ease of operation
If the valve is actuated when the blade contacts the skin, then fluid delivery is triggered, but fluid continues to be dispensed after the blade is moved away from the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve operates in periodic pulses synchronized with shaving strokes. Each pulse corresponds to a specific shaving stroke duration, and the valve remains closed during the interval between strokes, preventing continued fluid dispensing after the blade is removed from the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the valve actuation timing based on the detected shaving stroke duration. The control device monitors the actual contact time and adjusts the valve pulse width accordingly, ensuring fluid delivery matches the actual shaving action and stops when the blade is removed.
3Extent of automation
If a solenoid valve is used for fluid dispensing, then automated control is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade unit serves multiple functions: it performs the shaving function and simultaneously acts as a sensor for detecting skin contact and triggering fluid delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade unit essentially controls its own fluid delivery through its mechanical contact with the skin. The physical act of shaving automatically triggers the solenoid valve without requiring separate user input or complex external control systems, allowing the system to self-regulate based on actual usage.
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
This solution achieves precise and controlled fluid application during shaving, preventing excessive fluid use and ensuring efficient delivery only when needed, with adjustable parameters for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid is provided for operating the valve, the solenoid being powered by a battery located in a battery housing attached to the base of the handle
Implementation Method 2
an electric pump to control the delivery of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A razor, especially a safety razor, comprises a fluid delivery system including a pump (24) for conducting a fluid, such as a lubricant, from a reservoir (25) for application to the skin, and a control device (16) for actuating the pump (24) when the razor is brought into contact with the skin by a person holding the razor, and deactuating the pump (24) after a certain time of actuation, e.g. 0.1 to 2 seconds. The control device is arranged to ensured a delay of 1 to 10 seconds between successive actuations, and so that the pump is actuated only every second third or fourth shaving stroke.