Blade Dispenser Push Button Mechanism for Safe Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blade dispensers pose a risk of injury as users struggle to catch the blade with their finger or fingernail and are exposed to the sharp edge during the dispensing process.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a spring-loaded push button that engages the protective metal piece of the blade, allowing it to be easily grasped with two fingers, with a blade pusher maintaining contact with the stack and a ratchet mechanism ensuring safe exposure of the protective edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user catches the blade with their finger or fingernail as in conventional dispensers, then the blade can be removed from the dispenser, but the user is exposed to injury from the sharp blade edge and may injure their finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pusher mechanism as an intermediary device between the user and the blade. The pusher engages with the blade's protective flange and pushes the blade forward to expose only the safe top edge, allowing the user to grasp the blade without direct contact with the sharp cutting edge. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for the user to catch the blade with their fingernail while still enabling easy blade removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher mechanism performs the preliminary action of advancing the blade and exposing the safe top edge before the user grasps the blade. By automatically positioning the blade with the safe edge exposed, the system prepares the blade for safe handling in advance, eliminating the need for the user to perform the dangerous action of catching the blade with their fingernail.
2Ease of operation
If the blade is pushed out through a slot in the front of the dispenser as in conventional designs, then the blade can be accessed for removal, but the sharp blade edge is exposed to the user's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between the safe top edge and the sharp cutting edge of the blade. The dispenser slot and pusher mechanism are designed to expose only the safe top edge portion of the blade, while the sharp cutting edge remains protected within the dispenser housing. This localized exposure approach allows blade access while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher acts as an intermediary that controls what portion of the blade is exposed. It pushes the blade forward just enough to expose the safe top edge through the slot, preventing the sharp cutting edge from being exposed to the user's fingers while still allowing adequate access for blade removal.
3Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to automatically push the blade forward, then the dispensing process becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blade retention and dispensing functions into distinct components: the dispenser housing holds multiple blades, the pusher engages with the top blade's protective flange, and the spring provides the pushing force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a complex integrated mechanism while achieving automatic blade advancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pusher mechanism is designed to be self-service, automatically advancing the blade without requiring additional user input beyond pressing the button. The spring stores energy and automatically pushes the blade forward when the button is released, eliminating the need for complex motorized or electronically controlled mechanisms.
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 design enhances user safety by allowing the safe removal of blades without exposing the sharp edge, making the dispensing process easier and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring engages the housing and the push button to bias the push button in the released position
Implementation Method 2
A second spring is provided for engaging the housing and the blade pusher to bias the blade pusher and the blade stack towards the blade catch of the push button
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2
AI summary
A blade dispenser is provided to safely and easily dispense razor blades. Embodiments include a dispenser having a housing for accommodating a stack of blades; and a push button slidably mounted at a first end of the housing. The push button has a blade catch for engaging a button-engaging portion of a blade of the blade stack when the push button moves from a depressed position to a released position, to move the blade to an extended position partially outside the housing. A first spring engages the housing and the push button to bias the push button in the released position, and a blade pusher engages an end blade of the blade stack. A second spring is provided for engaging the housing and the blade pusher to bias the blade pusher and the blade stack towards the blade catch of the push button, such that when the push button moves from the depressed position to the released position, the blade catch engages the button-engaging portion of the first end blade of the blade stack to move the first end blade to the extended position.