Solid Moisturizing Composition for Hair Removal Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair removal devices face challenges in providing effective skin moisturization due to the limitations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic emollients, where hydrophilic materials are washed away during use and hydrophobic materials may increase drag and lack flexibility, leading to an unsuitable experience.

Innovation Solution

A solid moisturizing composition comprising a linear ABA block copolymer and at least 50% hydrophobic phase, which is erodable and provides sustained delivery of hydrophobic emollients, enhancing skin moisturization and reducing drag during hair removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrophilic materials (polyols) are used for skin moisturization, then water-binding ability is improved, but they are washed away during wet shaving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisturizing effectivenessVSAvoidemollient retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the hydrophilicity parameter of the emollient materials by selecting hydrophobic compounds (log P > 3) that resist washing away during wet shaving, while maintaining moisturizing effectiveness through alternative mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite formulation combining multiple hydrophobic emollients with specific physical forms (waxes, butters, oils) to achieve both durability during wet use and moisturizing benefits, creating a material system that overcomes the limitations of single-component hydrophilic polyols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of substance

If occlusive hydrophobic emollients are used to retain water, then emollient retention is improved, but drag across the skin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemollient retentionVSAvoidskin drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different types of hydrophobic emollients to different functional zones: waxes and butters provide occlusive retention, while lighter oils provide lubrication and drag reduction, creating a composition with spatially differentiated properties that simultaneously achieve retention and low drag

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention carefully controls the viscosity and melting point parameters of hydrophobic emollients to ensure they remain flexible and pliable during wet shaving, reducing drag while maintaining occlusive properties for water retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If hydrophobic emollients are used for moisturization, then emollient retention is improved, but flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemollient retentionVSAvoidcomposition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates a composite emollient system combining waxes (for retention), butters (for flexibility), and oils (for pliability) that work synergistically to maintain both high emollient retention and composition flexibility during and after wet shaving

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention selects hydrophobic emollients with specific melting points and viscosity ranges that ensure the composition remains flexible and adaptable to skin contours, preventing the formulation from becoming too rigid while maintaining durable retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solid composition effectively moisturizes the skin and assists in the hair removal process by providing sustained hydrophobic emollient delivery and reducing friction, improving the overall hair removal experience.

Implementation Method 1

a linear ABA block copolymer... wherein the linear ABA block copolymer comprises a poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene) block copolymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

occlusive, hydrophobic materials which cover the skin and therefore act to retain water already present in the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOcclusion:

Implementation Method 3

improved lubrication in the case of polyethylene oxide... reduced drag across the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP2361607B1Hair removal device comprising moisturizing compositions

Publication Date: 2015.03.25 THE GILLETTE CO

AI summary

A hair removal device is provided comprising a solid moisturizing composition, the solid moisturizing composition comprising: a. A linear ABA block copolymer; b. At least 50% moisturizing hydrophobic phase by weight of the solid moisturizing composition.