Heated Razor Heating Element Waterproof Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heated razors face challenges in preventing water ingress into electronic components while providing a safe and reliable heating mechanism for a comfortable shaving experience, as delicate electrical components are prone to damage and require effective sealing and strain relief.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an insulating member with spaced electrical terminals soldered to a flexible printed circuit board, using a non-conductive underfiller encapsulant to create a watertight seal between the components, providing mechanical and electrical coupling while allowing for strain relief and protection against water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If electrical components are made small to fit within the razor, then the device size is reduced, but the components become more delicate and prone to breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of electrical componentsVSAvoiddurability of electrical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing strain relief structures and protective enclosures for the electrical components before they can be damaged. The housing and internal结构设计 include protective elements that cushion and protect the delicate electrical components from mechanical stress and water ingress, preventing damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If electrical components are sealed against water ingress, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against water ingressVSAvoidsealing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using a waterproof flexible circuit board that integrates both electrical connectivity and water sealing functions. The flexible circuit board acts as both a conductor and a barrier, eliminating the need for separate sealing layers and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective water protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If electrical terminals are soldered together for secure connection, then electrical reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical support function by integrating the electrical terminals directly into the housing structure or circuit board assembly. This combination allows for more efficient assembly processes while maintaining reliable electrical connections, reducing the need for separate mounting and connection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively seals electrical connections, enhances the durability of the heating element, and ensures a safer, more reliable operation by preventing water damage and providing strain relief, thus improving the overall performance and longevity of the heated razor.

Implementation Method 1

by curing the liquid non electrically conductive underfiller encapsulant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentEP3109015B1Method of assembling a personal care product
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3109015B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3109015B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3109015B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of assembling a heating element (16) for a shaving razor (10) by providing an insulating member (42) having a base (74) with a plurality of spaced apart electrical terminals (60). A flexible printed circuit board (34) having a plurality of spaced apart electrical terminals (54) is provided. The electrical terminals of the insulating member are soldered to the corresponding electrical terminals of the flexible printed circuit board. A liquid non electrically conductive underfiller encapsulant (72) is dispensed between the base of the insulating member and the base (76) of the flexible printed circuit board forming a water tight seal between each of the spaced apart electrical terminals of the insulating member and between each of the electrical terminals of the flexible printed circuit board by curing the liquid non electrically conductive underfiller encapsulant.