Transparent Razor Cartridge Guard for Blade Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing razor cartridges make it difficult for users to accurately determine the position of razor blades and the condition of the skin during shaving, especially in dark environments.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a plastic guard in the razor cartridge made of a light-transmitting material, allowing users to visually confirm the position of the razor blade and illuminate the shaving area, even in dark environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a conventional razor cartridge with opaque guard is used, then the structure provides protection and support for the razor blade, but the user cannot visually confirm the position of the razor blade or the condition of the skin during shaving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of razor blade position and skin conditionVSAvoidstructure of razor cartridge
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the color changes principle by using a transparent or translucent material for the plastic guard instead of an opaque material. This material property change allows light to pass through, enabling the user to visually confirm the razor blade position and skin condition during shaving, while maintaining the protective and supportive functions of the guard structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If the razor cartridge is designed with multiple components (blades, guard, lubricating band), then the shaving function is enhanced, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine the position of the razor blades and the condition of the skin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of shaving areaVSAvoidnumber of components in razor cartridge
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the optical property of the plastic guard from opaque to transparent/translucent. This allows the complex internal structure including multiple blades, guard, and lubricating band to remain functional while enabling visual observation of the shaving area through the guard material, thus reducing information loss without simplifying the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If the razor cartridge uses opaque materials for the guard, then the manufacturing is simpler and more cost-effective, but the user cannot see through the cartridge to the skin being shaved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to see shaving areaVSAvoidmaterial selection for guard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses this contradiction by selecting a transparent or translucent material for the plastic guard. This material choice enables users to see through the cartridge to the skin being shaved, improving ease of operation. While transparent materials may have slightly different manufacturing considerations compared to opaque plastics, the overall manufacturing process remains straightforward and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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 light-transmitting plastic guard enables users to accurately recognize the shaving area and the position of the razor blade, facilitating safer and more precise shaving, even in low light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the plastic guard is formed of a transparent or translucent material... light emitted from a light source passes through the plastic guard and is emitted onto the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4549111A1Razor cartridge and razor assembly including the same
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 DORCO CO LTD
  • EP4549111A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4549111A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4549111A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A razor cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one razor blade having a cutting edge formed thereon, a blade housing configured to accommodate the razor blade in a longitudinal direction, and a housing cover including a razor blade window in which at least a portion of the cutting edge is exposed and a window frame formed to surround at least a portion of the razor blade window and connected to the blade housing, in which the window frame includes a plastic guard provided in front of the razor blade, and the plastic guard is formed of a transparent or translucent material.