Bidirectional Razor Cartridge with Support Bar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional razor cartridges are limited in providing multiple shaving directions and levels, leading to reduced durability, increased skin injury risk, and inefficient shaving experiences.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional razor cartridge design featuring at least one first cutting member and one second cutting member arranged in a housing, with a longitudinal support bar between them, allowing for shaving in opposite directions, reducing skin pressure, and incorporating guard or comb-like bars for enhanced skin support and lubrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a conventional unidirectional razor cartridge is used, then the structure is simple, but the shaving durability is reduced and the cartridge needs frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving durabilityVSAvoidcartridge structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The razor cartridge is divided into multiple cutting members with different shaving directions (forward, backward, lateral). Each cutting member is independently positioned on the support bar, allowing the cartridge to handle hair growth in multiple directions simultaneously, thereby extending shaving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support bar serves multiple functions: it supports multiple cutting members, provides a mounting surface for lubricating strips, and acts as a structural backbone for the entire cartridge assembly. This multi-functionality increases durability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a single cutting member is used, then the device is simple, but the skin injury risk increases due to concentrated pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin injury riskVSAvoidcutting member arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting function is segmented across multiple blades positioned at different locations and orientations. This distributes the mechanical pressure across multiple contact points on the skin, reducing the risk of concentrated pressure causing nicks or cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cutting members are positioned to address specific shaving needs in different areas. The lateral cutting member handles sideburns and ear hair, while forward and backward members handle main shaving areas, optimizing pressure distribution and reducing skin injury risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If only one shaving direction is provided, then the device is simple, but it cannot accommodate different shaving levels and directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving direction flexibilityVSAvoidcutting member configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting members are segmented into different directional groups (forward, backward, lateral) mounted on the support bar. This segmentation allows the cartridge to adapt to various shaving directions and levels without requiring multiple separate cartridges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support bar extends in the longitudinal dimension, allowing cutting members to be positioned at different locations along its length. This dimensional arrangement enables multiple shaving directions and levels to be incorporated into a single cartridge structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the blade support contacts the skin directly, then the structure is simple, but the skin bulging effect increases and nicks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin bulging effectVSAvoidblade support design
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support bar acts as an intermediary between the blade support and the skin. It provides a stable mounting surface for the cutting members while distributing contact pressure, preventing direct blade support-skin contact that would cause bulging and nicks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4000823B1Double direction shaving head
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 BIC VIOLEX SINGLE MEMBER SA
  • EP4000823B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4000823B1 patent drawingFigure 1d~2b
  • EP4000823B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3b

AI summary

A razor cartridge comprises a housing (1), at least one first cutting member (6) and at least one second cutting member (7). The at least one first cutting member (6) and the at least one second cutting member (7) are arranged in the housing (1). The at least one first cutting member (6) is configured to shave in a first direction, and the at least one second cutting member (7) is configured to shave in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A longitudinal support bar (8) is arranged between the at least one first cutting member (6) and the at least one second cutting member (7). The at least one first cutting member (6) comprises a blade support (20) including a top portion (22) having an inner surface (19) that, in use, faces away from a shaving plane (15) and a blade (21) attached to the inner surface (19) of the top portion (22), wherein the blade (21) includes a cutting edge (14a).