Razor Cartridge Skin Support Element for Irritation Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Safety razors with multiple blades and small inter-blade span increase the risk of cutting hairs close to or below the skin level, leading to pseudo folliculitis barbae and skin irritation, while razors with large inter-blade span may be unfavorable for users with skin issues due to increased risk of traumatizing raised papules and pustules.

Innovation Solution

A razor cartridge design featuring a first and second cutting member with a control element between them, providing a larger inter-blade span of at least 1.5 mm, and a control element that supports the skin and hair, minimizing irritation and pressure on the skin surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inter-blade span is increased to allow hair recovery time, then the risk of cutting hairs below skin level is reduced, but the risk of traumatizing raised skin lesions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of cutting hairs below skin levelVSAvoidtraumatizing raised skin lesions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A skin support element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cutting members and the skin. This element provides mechanical support to the skin during shaving, distributing the pressure and preventing both excessive blade penetration into the skin and trauma to raised lesions. The skin support element acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of close shaving and skin protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple cutting members are used to increase shaving efficiency, then more hairs are removed per pass, but the risk of skin irritation and pseudo folliculitis barbae increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaving efficiencyVSAvoidskin irritation and pseudo folliculitis barbae

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The skin support element serves as a protective intermediary between multiple cutting members and the skin. It allows the cutting members to remain close together for efficient shaving while preventing them from directly traumatizing the skin. The element distributes cutting forces and provides a cushioning effect that reduces skin irritation and prevents hairs from being cut below skin level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the inter-blade span is decreased to maintain skin contact, then shaving coverage is improved, but the hair recovery time is insufficient leading to sharp tip profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin contact areaVSAvoidhair recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The skin support element introduces a controlled distance between the cutting members and the skin, effectively increasing the functional inter-blade span without reducing skin contact area. This allows hairs sufficient recovery time between cuts while maintaining comprehensive skin coverage through the support element's contact with the skin surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances shaving efficiency while reducing the risk of skin irritation and pseudo folliculitis barbae by maintaining a safe distance from the skin and decreasing pressure on the skin surface, thus providing a safer and more comfortable shaving experience.

Implementation Method 1

The control element also permits to decrease the risk of traumatizing the raised papules and pustules, as it provides an extra safe distance from the skin and/or decreases the pressure exerted by the cutting edge on the skin surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20230166415A1Blade with skin and hair control element

Publication Date: 2023.06.01 BIC VIOLEX SINGLE MEMBER SA

AI summary

A razor cartridge comprising a first cutting member, a second cutting member and a control element. The first and second cutting members are disposed between a leading longitudinal side and a trailing longitudinal side of the razor cartridge in a shaving direction of the razor cartridge, wherein the second cutting member is disposed behind the first cutting member in the shaving direction, and wherein each cutting member faces in the shaving direction. The control element is disposed between the first cutting member and the second cutting member, wherein the control element is in contact with the second cutting member.