Solid Compressed Lubricating Member for Razor Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shaving aids for razor cartridges using water-soluble polymers like polyethylene oxide face limitations in lubrication performance due to molecular weight constraints, viscosity issues, and manufacturing challenges such as elevated temperature processes that degrade additives and result in inconsistent product quality.
Innovation Solution
A solid compressed lubricating member for razor cartridges comprising 10-90% by weight of a water-soluble polymer, with 1-40% by weight of a silicone polymer spray-coated onto the particulate material, allowing for improved lubrication and manufacturing without heat application, which maintains the integrity and performance of the polymer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyethylene oxide polymer with higher molecular weight is used to improve lubrication, then lubrication performance is improved, but viscosity of the aqueous solution increases leading to negatively perceived attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single polymer approach into a segmented system using multiple polymers with different molecular weights (first polymer with MW 10,000-1,000,000 and second polymer with MW 1,000-100,000). This segmentation allows the higher MW polymer to provide lubrication while the lower MW polymer controls viscosity, resolving the contradiction between lubrication performance and viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system by combining two different polyethylene oxide polymers with distinct molecular weight ranges. This composite approach enables the system to simultaneously achieve the benefits of high MW polymer (lubrication) while mitigating its drawback (high viscosity) through the presence of low MW polymer, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If injection molding or extrusion process is used to manufacture shaving aids, then manufacturing capability is achieved, but elevated temperatures degrade additives and result in barrel slip and conveying inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters by eliminating the need for elevated temperature processing. The composition is formulated to be processable without melting, allowing manufacturing at lower temperatures that preserve additive integrity and prevent barrel slip, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing capability and product consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adopts a formulation approach that prioritizes performance and consistency over traditional manufacturing convenience. By designing a composition that doesn't require high-temperature processing, it accepts a different manufacturing paradigm that ensures additive stability and consistent product quality, resolving the contradiction in favor of reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If wet granulation with high levels of hydrophilic compounds is used, then tablet density is improved, but lubrication performance is impacted and particle size increases requiring larger container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the formulation parameters by using a specific ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic compounds and selecting polymers with controlled molecular weights. This parameter optimization allows achieving adequate tablet density through compression of the particulate mixture without relying on excessive wet granulation, thereby preserving lubrication performance and controlling particle size.
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 solution provides enhanced lubrication and skin feel while maintaining the water solubility and swelling performance of the polymer, allowing for flexible product size and effective delivery of the silicone polymer, as demonstrated by consumer test data showing improved moisturization and glide performance.
Implementation Method 1
wherein at least a portion of said water soluble polymer is spray coated with said silicone polymer compound
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a solid compressed lubricating member for a razor cartridge comprising from 10% to 90% by weight of a particulate material comprising water soluble polymer and from 1% to 40% by weight of a silicone polymer or mixtures thereof; wherein at least a portion of said water soluble polymer particulate is spray coated with said silicone polymer and methods of manufacture thereof.