Loop-Shaped Spring Mechanism for Razor Pivot and Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current razors face limitations with separate springs for pivot and eject functions, leading to increased cost, complexity, and potential for fatigue or deformation, especially when additional benefits are added or accidental drops occur, compromising safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
A loop-shaped spring member is introduced that allows for longer travel distances and reduced stress, enabling both pivot and eject functionalities within a single mechanism, reducing the need for multiple springs and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate springs are used for pivot and eject functions, then each function can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate spring mechanisms (pivot spring and eject spring) into a single integrated spring mechanism. The spring element serves dual functions: providing pivot movement capability and enabling cartridge ejection. This merging reduces the total number of spring components from two to one, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing cost while maintaining the reliability of both functions through unified design optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to perform both pivot and eject operations. The spring element can deflect to allow pivot movement of the cartridge relative to the handle, and can also be compressed to provide the ejection force needed to remove the cartridge from the handle. This universal spring component replaces what would traditionally require two separate specialized springs, reducing complexity while maintaining functional optimization.
2Device complexity
If coil springs or straight springs are used for eject function, then the structure is simple, but the travel distance is limited and fatigue occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or arc-shaped spring element instead of a traditional coil or straight spring. This curved configuration allows the spring to achieve larger deflection distances while maintaining structural integrity. The curvature enables the spring to absorb and distribute stress more effectively during ejection and pivot operations, reducing fatigue and extending the travel distance capability without increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional benefits are added to the razor, then user value increases, but the existing spring mechanisms become inadequate due to space and capability limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated spring mechanism is designed with sufficient capability and adjustability to support multiple functions and future feature additions. The spring's curved geometry and configurable parameters (such as deflection distance, force characteristics, and mounting positions) allow it to accommodate various operational requirements, enabling the razor to incorporate additional benefits without being constrained by inadequate spring mechanisms.
4Reliability
If separate springs are used for different functions, then each spring can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall cost and complexity of the razor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivot spring and eject spring into a single integrated spring component, reducing the total part count from two to one. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers material costs while maintaining the ability to optimize the spring's design for both functions through careful engineering of its geometry and mechanical properties.
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 loop-shaped spring member provides enhanced durability and flexibility, allowing for longer travel distances without fatigue or deformation, improving user experience and safety by integrating both pivot and eject functions into a single mechanism, thus reducing the overall complexity and cost of the razor.
Implementation Method 1
a loop shaped spring member disposed in the assembly to eject a cartridge from a razor handle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
The present invention describes a novel spring mechanism for a razor 70. In the razor, the spring member 10 may be disposed in a movable member assembly 72, portions of which may be used for ejection or pivoting. The spring may be fully encompassed within the assembly and be placed within supporting structures 94 therein. The spring is a loop-shaped element having overlapping end portions 12a, 12b with free distal ends 12a', 12b'. Alternately, the spring member 30A is tear drop shaped loop shape with distal ends 32a', 32b' that are spaced apart. The spring may be disposed within a first and/or second movable member 82, 84 such as an eject button or a pivot member. A retarding structure 14 on the spring provides a retarding force which is based on the interaction of the retarding structure 95 with a protrusion on an assembly portion to keep the spring orientation intact. The spring is desirably comprised of stainless steel and is a flat wire.