Shaving Cartridge Thermal Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated razors for wet shaving have inefficiencies in skin heating due to minimal skin contact area and safety concerns from inadequate temperature regulation, leading to discomfort or burning.
Innovation Solution
A shaving razor system with a heating element mounted to the housing, featuring a skin-contacting surface, an insulating member, and thermal sensors for temperature regulation, ensuring safe and efficient heat delivery during shaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If razor blades are heated to provide warmth during shaving, then the user experiences a comfortable warm feeling, but the minimal surface area of the blades results in inefficient heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from heating only the blade surface (one dimension) to heating a larger heating element surface that contacts the skin directly (adding another dimension of heat transfer). The heating element is positioned to contact the skin in front of the blades, creating an additional heat transfer path that does not rely on blade surface area.
2Temperature
If more heat is delivered to the skin to improve heating efficiency, then the warming effect is enhanced, but safety concerns arise such as burning or discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of the heating element and provide feedback to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the power supplied to the heating element based on this feedback, maintaining the temperature within a safe range and preventing overheating that could cause burning or discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a control circuit to dynamically adjust the power parameter supplied to the heating element based on temperature sensor readings. This allows the system to maintain optimal heating temperature while preventing dangerous temperature increases, effectively managing the trade-off between heating efficiency and safety.
3Productivity
If a heating element with larger surface area is used to improve skin heating, then heating efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it provides the primary warming effect during shaving, acts as a temperature reference for the sensors, and its temperature can be monitored to ensure safety. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system despite the larger heating surface area.
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 system provides a comfortable and safe shaving experience by efficiently heating the skin through controlled temperature regulation, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element is mounted to the housing for transferring heat during a shaving stroke
Implementation Method 2
An insulating member for delivering heat to the heating element is positioned below the skin contacting surface
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of spaced apart thermal sensors are mounted to the insulating member and positioned below the skin contacting surface. The thermal sensors measure the temperature of the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling transfer of heat to skin during a shaving stroke. A shaving razor system with a heating element is provided. An insulating member for delivering heat to the heating element is provided. A temperature of a first area of the heating element is measured with a first thermal sensor. A temperature of a second area of the heating element is measured with a second thermal sensor. Power to the insulating member is decreased when an average temperature sensed by the thermal sensors is greater than or equal to a first predetermined temperature. Power to the insulating member is decreased when an individual temperature sensed by either of the thermal sensors is greater than or equal to a second predetermined temperature.