Razor Cartridge Lubricating Member Printed Support Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing razor cartridges with lubricating members face challenges in achieving structural integrity without the high cost and complexity associated with reservoirs, while extruded lubrication strips are limited by the balance between water-soluble and water-insoluble polymers.
Innovation Solution
A razor cartridge with a lubricating member featuring a printed support structure on its exterior surface, which provides structural integrity using UV curable ink, allowing for a greater proportion of water-soluble polymer and covering a significant portion of the surface area, thereby enhancing handling and performance during shaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reservoir is used to provide structural support for the lubricant, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the structural support function from a separate reservoir component and integrates it directly into the lubricating member through a printed support structure. This eliminates the need for a distinct reservoir, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity during shaving.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lubricating member and support structure into a single integrated component. The printed support structure is applied directly to the lubricating member, merging the functions of lubrication delivery and structural support into one element, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Strength
If a reservoir is used to provide structural support for the lubricant, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for a separate reservoir component, simplifying the manufacturing process. The printed support structure can be applied directly during lubricating member production, eliminating additional assembly steps and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed support structure uses a cost-effective printing process rather than expensive reservoir manufacturing. The support structure is designed to function for the duration of a single shaving event, after which the entire cartridge is replaced, making a disposable printed structure more economical than a reusable reservoir.
3Reliability
If the amount of water-soluble polymer is increased in the extruded lubrication member, then lubrication performance is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the printed support structure selectively to specific areas of the lubricating member where structural reinforcement is needed. This allows the bulk of the lubricating member to maintain high water-soluble polymer content for optimal lubrication performance, while localized printed regions provide the necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the water-soluble polymer matrix with a printed support structure layer. This composite approach allows the water-soluble polymer to provide lubrication performance while the printed support structure provides structural integrity, resolving the trade-off between the two properties.
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 printed support structure enhances the structural integrity of the lubricating member, enabling it to handle production and shaving effectively while allowing for a higher concentration of water-soluble polymer, thus improving lubrication performance without the drawbacks of reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
The printed support structure comprises a UV curable ink.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A razor cartridge including a guard at a front portion of the cartridge, a cap at a back portion of the cartridge, at least one blade positioned between the guard and the cap, a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, and a lubricating member positioned in the cartridge at the top surface. The lubricating member has an exterior surface with a visible surface and a non-visible surface. A printed support structure is provided on the exterior surface of the lubricating member. The printed support structure covers a portion of the exterior surface to provide structural integrity for the lubricating member.