Shaving Razor Handle Elastomer Fins for Wet Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shaving razor handles often slip in wet environments due to their smooth surfaces, despite the use of elastomeric materials for grip enhancement, which may not provide sufficient traction and durability.
Innovation Solution
A wet shaving razor design featuring a substantially rigid elongated gripping section with an elastomer cover containing flexible fins of varying widths and heights, interconnected by a frame, which deflects to improve grip and prevent contact with adjacent fins, enhancing traction and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a smooth plastic handle surface is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but grip performance deteriorates in wet environments
Solution Approach 1:
The handle combines a rigid plastic base material with a softer elastomeric overmolded layer. This composite structure maintains the manufacturing simplicity of injection molding while providing enhanced grip performance through the elastomeric material's superior friction properties in wet conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material is applied specifically to the gripping portion of the handle where friction is needed, while the base handle remains smooth plastic. This localized application improves grip performance without compromising the overall manufacturing simplicity or adding cost to the entire handle structure.
2Reliability
If elastomeric material is used for grip enhancement, then wet grip improves, but durability and resistance to degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The handle combines a rigid plastic base material with a softer elastomeric overmolded layer. This composite structure maintains the manufacturing simplicity of injection molding while providing enhanced grip performance through the elastomeric material's superior friction properties in wet conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material is pre-formed into the gripping portion before final assembly, allowing it to be molded with integrated gripping features like ribs and grooves that enhance both grip performance and structural durability from the outset.
3Reliability
If flexible fins are added to the elastomer cover, then grip and traction improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric cover is segmented into multiple flexible fins or ribs that can independently deflect and contact the user's fingers. This segmentation enhances grip by creating multiple contact points and allowing adaptive finger placement, while the fins are integrated into a single elastomeric component rather than separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fins are designed to be compliant and adaptable, allowing them to deflect and conform to the user's finger shape during gripping. This dynamic adaptability improves grip performance without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the flexibility is inherent in the elastomeric material itself.
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 provides improved wet grip and prevents water and lubricious substances from reaching the user's skin, maintaining grip and facilitating easy cleaning, while the elastomeric cover's tacky properties and frame structure enhance flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer cover joined to the elongated gripping section and includes a plurality of flexible fins
Implementation Method 2
the fins have a height to gap width ratio of about 1:1 to about 2:1, such that the fins have a flexed position in which one or more of the fins deflects and contacts an adjacent fin
Data Source
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AI summary
A wet shaving razor (10) has a handle (12) with a substantially rigid elongated gripping section (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (Al) of the handle. An elastomer cover (30) is joined to the elongated gripping section and includes a plurality of flexible fins (36) having a first section having a first width (w1) and a second section having a second width (w2) that is less than the first width. The fins have a height to gap width ratio of about 1:1 to about 2:1, such that the fins have a flexed position in which one or more of the fins deflects and contacts an adjacent fin.