Razor Handle Microporous Membrane Venting Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered razors face the risk of hydrogen accumulation leading to explosive gas formation due to electrolysis, which can be ignited by the device's motor or switch, necessitating effective venting while maintaining water-tightness.
Innovation Solution
A razor handle design featuring a microporous membrane over a vent hole in the battery shell, sealed with a cover that includes ribs or grooves to create a space for gas escape, ensuring gas venting without compromising water-tightness, using materials like polytetrafluoroethylene for the membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microporous membrane is used to cover the vent aperture, then gas can escape while water is blocked, but the membrane alone may not provide sufficient space for gas to escape from under the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is segmented into two distinct components: the microporous membrane that provides water blocking, and the cover with integrated venting channels that provides gas escape pathways. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element between the microporous membrane and the external environment. It receives gas from the membrane and directs it through dedicated venting channels, preventing gas from becoming trapped between the membrane and cover while maintaining water tightness
2Reliability
If the housing is made completely water-tight, then water protection is improved, but hydrogen gas cannot escape and may accumulate to explosive levels
Solution Approach 1:
The housing maintains complete water tightness overall, but the cover introduces localized gas escape channels in specific areas. This local quality change allows gas venting only where needed while preserving global water protection integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a microporous membrane that allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules. This porous material enables selective permeability based on molecular size, allowing hydrogen escape while maintaining water barrier function
3Object-generated harmful factors
If venting channels are added to the cover or housing, then gas escape is improved, but the structural integrity and water-tightness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The venting channels are integrated into the cover structure itself, utilizing the thickness dimension of the cover to create internal pathways. This approach adds gas venting capability without creating external openings that would compromise the water-tight envelope
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
Effectively vents hydrogen gas while maintaining the razor's water-tightness, preventing potential explosions and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a microporous membrane covering the aperture and sealed against a surface of the housing surrounding the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a space provided between the cover and the surface of the housing, the space being configured to allow gas exiting the aperture to escape from under the cover
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~5
Figure 3
AI summary
Razor handles (10) are provided. In one aspect, a razor handle includes a housing (14, 16) constructed to hold a battery (18) , an aperture (90) in the housing, a microporous membrane (92) covering the aperture and sealed against a surface of the housing surrounding the aperture, a cover (94) disposed over the membrane and aperture, and a space provided between the cover and the surface of the housing, the space being configured to allow gas exiting the aperture to escape from under the cover. In another aspect, a razor handle includes a housing constructed to hold a battery, the housing being configured to be held by a user during shaving and to receive a razor head (12) , an aperture in the housing, and a microporous membrane covering the aperture and sealed against a surface of the housing surrounding the aperture .