Razor Cartridge Lubrication Control via Printed UV Ink
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing razor cartridges with lubricating members face challenges in controlling the amount of lubricant delivery during shaving without incurring high costs and assembly disadvantages associated with reservoir-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A razor cartridge design featuring a lubricating member with a printed lubrication control structure using UV curable ink, which covers a portion of the visible surface area with openings, allowing controlled lubricant release through direct exposure to the skin, thereby regulating the amount of lubricant delivered during shaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reservoir structure is used to control lubricant delivery, then the amount of lubricant delivered can be controlled, but the cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lubricant delivery control function from the complex reservoir structure and implements it directly on the lubricating member surface through a printed control structure. This eliminates the need for separate reservoir components while maintaining precise control over lubricant delivery through the printed pattern design.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed lubrication control structure applies different properties to different areas of the lubricating member surface. The printed regions control lubricant release while non-printed regions remain exposed, creating local variations in lubricant delivery that achieve precise control without complex overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a reservoir structure is used to control lubricant delivery, then the amount of lubricant delivered can be controlled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for expensive reservoir components and simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating the control function directly into the lubricating member through printing technology, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining delivery control.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed lubrication control structure uses cost-effective printing materials and methods compared to reservoir construction. The lubricating member with printed control can be manufactured more economically, aligning with disposable razor cartridge economics.
3Quantity of substance
If the entire visible surface of the lubricating member is exposed, then maximum lubricant delivery occurs, but uncontrolled lubricant release happens
Solution Approach 1:
The printed lubrication control structure creates local quality differences across the lubricating member surface. Printed areas control and limit lubricant release while non-printed exposed areas allow direct contact, achieving balanced and controlled lubricant delivery across different surface regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed control structure creates a porous or patterned barrier that allows controlled passage of lubricant. The printed regions act as controlled release zones while maintaining overall lubricant delivery through the structured pattern.
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 lubrication control structure effectively manages lubricant delivery, providing consistent lubrication benefits throughout the shaving process while reducing costs and assembly complexities compared to reservoir-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The printed lubrication control structure comprises a UV curable ink
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4B
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 a visible surface with a visible surface area. The visible surface includes a printed lubrication control structure on the visible surface of the lubricating member. The printed lubrication control structure is formed from a UV curable ink and covers a portion of the visible surface area creating a covered portion and an open portion.