Elastomeric Return Element for Shaving Blade Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaving systems with replaceable blade units often rely on complex pusher and follower mechanisms for resistance and return force, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, lacking a simple and effective solution for providing the necessary pivoting connection and resistance during shaving.
Innovation Solution
A shaving system featuring a flexible return element made of elastomeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic urethane, that connects spaced apart rigid portions to provide a pivoting connection between the blade unit and handle, offering resistance and return force, and is preferably pretensioned to bias the blade unit towards a rest position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pusher and follower mechanism is used to provide resistance and return force, then the shaving system can maintain blade pressure against the skin, but the device complexity increases and the mechanism becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pusher and follower mechanism from the shaving system, replacing it with a simplified elastomeric return element that provides the same resistance and return force functions through elastic deformation rather than mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the return mechanism from rigid mechanical components (pusher and follower) to a flexible elastomeric material that provides force through elastic deformation, fundamentally altering how resistance and return force are generated
2Stability of the object's composition
If a pivoting attachment with pusher and follower is used, then the blade unit can return to rest position, but the ease of operation decreases due to the cumbersome mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cumbersome pusher and follower mechanism while retaining the essential pivoting functionality, using a simple elastomeric element that allows natural pivoting motion and automatic return to rest position through elastic recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric return element is self-actuating, using its own elastic properties to provide both the resistance during shaving and the automatic return force to rest position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing operational complexity
3Force
If traditional pusher and follower mechanisms are used, then resistance during shaving can be provided, but the device becomes less efficient and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the force generation mechanism from rigid mechanical components to a flexible elastomeric material, changing how resistance is provided from mechanical push-through to elastic deformation and recovery, thereby improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pusher and follower system with an elastomeric return element that uses elastic deformation instead of mechanical linkages, simplifying the system and improving overall shaving efficiency by eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity
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 elastomeric return element provides a durable and efficient means of resistance and return force, allowing for effective pivoting and easy attachment/detachment of the blade unit, enhancing shaving performance and user experience by simplifying the mechanism while maintaining durability.
Implementation Method 1
The return element providing a pivoting connection between the blade element and handle... the return element providing resistance and return force... configured to bias the blade unit towards a rest position
Data Source
AI summary
Shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and a return element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. The return element serves as interface piece, connector and pivot all in one. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.