Razor Guard Bar Groove Segmentation for Shaving Aid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Razor heads with guard bars having perpendicular grooves do not provide even distribution of shaving aid and proper hair alignment, resulting in suboptimal shaving properties.

Innovation Solution

A razor head design featuring a guard bar with grooves that include a deep section, a shallow section, and a sloped section, connected by rounded portions, which helps in even distribution of shaving aid and improves hair alignment by guiding hairs to the blade edge, while the sloped section facilitates water flow and reduces hair bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a guard bar with perpendicular grooves is used, then the structure is simple, but the shaving aid distribution is uneven and hair alignment is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving comfortVSAvoidgroove structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guard bar groove is divided into three distinct sections: a deep section at the front end, a shallow section at the rear end, and a sloped section connecting them. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function - the deep section captures and distributes shaving aid, the shallow section guides hairs, and the sloped section facilitates water flow and transition, thereby improving overall shaving comfort without requiring multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the groove have different depths and geometries tailored to specific local functions. The deep section has greater depth for shaving aid reservoir, the shallow section has reduced depth for hair guidance, and the sloped section has a specific inclination angle (10-45 degrees) for water flow. This local differentiation of groove properties optimizes each region's performance for its specific task

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a uniform groove depth is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the shaving aid distribution and water flow are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving aid distributionVSAvoidgroove geometry precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The groove geometry transitions dynamically from the deep section through the sloped section to the shallow section, creating a gradient structure that adapts to different functional requirements along the groove length. This dynamic geometric variation optimizes both shaving aid distribution at the front and water flow toward the blade, while the continuous sloped transition between sections facilitates manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the guard bar is positioned forward of the blade edge, then hair alignment is improved, but the groove design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehair alignmentVSAvoidguard bar structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guard bar with its three-section groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes shaving aid through the deep section, aligns and guides hairs through the shallow section, and facilitates water flow through the sloped section. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated guard bar structure, avoiding the need for additional separate components while improving hair alignment

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

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 design enhances shaving comfort by ensuring even distribution of shaving aid, reducing hair pulling, and improving control during shaving, leading to a more consistent and comfortable shave with better rinsability.

Implementation Method 1

a sloped section connecting the deep section to the shallow section... the sloped section facilitates water flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10124499B2Razor head with improved guard bar
Publication Date: 2018.11.13 BIC VIOLEX SA
  • US10124499B2 patent drawing
  • US10124499B2 patent drawing
  • US10124499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A razor head is provided that includes a main frame member, at least one blade member mounted on the main frame member, having a blade edge extending along a transversal axis, and a guard bar having a plurality of grooves extending along a longitudinal axis. Each groove includes a deep section located next to the groove front end, a shallow section located next to the groove rear end, and a sloped section connecting the deep section to the shallow section.