Magnetic Razor Cartridge Ejector Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaving systems lack a convenient and safe method for users to remove razor cartridges from the handle without manually grasping and pulling them, which can be cumbersome and potentially hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A shaving system with a handle featuring a magnet and an ejector button, where the ejector button is movable between positions to reduce magnetic attraction, allowing the razor cartridge to be easily detached by sliding it in a direction familiar to users, utilizing nickel-plated mild steel and soft ferrite magnetic elements for secure attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If magnetic attachment is used to secure the razor cartridge to the handle, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector button acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the magnetic attachment. When pressed, it temporarily overcomes the magnetic force holding the cartridge to the handle, enabling easy removal without direct manual pulling. This mediator allows the system to maintain strong magnetic attachment during use while providing simple one-handed removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the ejector button is positioned close to the magnetic element for effective operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the magnetic attraction between the handle and cartridge deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of ejector button operationVSAvoidmagnetic attraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic system is segmented into three separate magnetic elements: a magnet in the handle, a first magnetic element in the cartridge, and a second magnetic element in the ejector button. This segmentation allows the ejector button's second magnetic element to be positioned close to the handle's magnet for effective operation, while the cartridge's first magnetic element maintains its magnetic attraction to the handle's magnet through the间隙 created by the ejector button's positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejector button with its second magnetic element serves as a mediator that can temporarily interrupt the magnetic field between the handle's magnet and the cartridge's first magnetic element. When the ejector button is in its operational position, it provides a magnetic path that allows the user to overcome the attachment force and remove the cartridge, without permanently compromising the magnetic attraction when the button is in its resting position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and convenient removal of razor cartridges without the need to grasp and pull, enhancing user safety and familiarity with the operation, while maintaining secure attachment through magnetic forces.

Implementation Method 1

When the razor cartridge is attached to the handle by magnetic attraction between the magnet and the first magnetic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

When a user moves the ejector button to its second position, magnetic attraction between the magnet and the first magnetic element is reduced such that the razor cartridge is unattached from the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction reduction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3558605B1Removable razor cartridge with magnetic attachment
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE BRANDS LLC
  • EP3558605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3558605B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3558605B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shaving system (10) has a razor cartridge (14) with a blade unit (16) and a handle connection structure (18) having a first magnetic element (60), and a handle (12) having a magnet (30) mounted to the handle and an ejector button (20) having a second magnetic element (70), movable between a first position and a second position. When the razor cartridge is attached to the handle and the ejector button is in its first position, the second magnetic element of the ejector button is positioned between the magnet of the handle and the first magnetic element of the razor cartridge. When the ejector button is moved to its second position, magnetic attraction between the magnet and the first magnetic element is reduced and the razor cartridge is unattached from the handle. When a user releases the ejector button, magnetic attraction between the magnet and the second magnetic element returns the ejector button to its first position.