Movable Razor Handle Assembly for Ergonomic Cartridge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current razor handle designs with replaceable cartridges face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, poor ergonomics, and durability issues due to complex components and tight tolerances, while also limiting consumer benefits like effective shaving performance and safety.

Innovation Solution

A razor handle design featuring a rigid member with movable elements and a benefit delivery assembly for heating or cooling, and fluid application, allowing for rotational and linear motion of the cartridge relative to the handle, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing shaving performance and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additional components with prescribed motion are added to improve ergonomics and cartridge control, then handle functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle ergonomicsVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into distinct functional modules: a grip portion for ergonomic handling, a cartridge receptacle for holding the cartridge, and a pivot mechanism for rotational movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly and manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism enables the cartridge to rotate dynamically between a first position (when engaged) and a second position (when disengaged), providing motion control without requiring complex prescribed motion components. This dynamic adjustment improves ergonomics while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If tight tolerances are specified for components to ensure precision and reliability, then product quality improves, but manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the handle into modular components (grip portion, receptacle, pivot mechanism), each part can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, avoiding the need for tight tolerances across the entire assembly. This reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through proper modular interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables cartridge rotation, provides a locking position, and facilitates easy cartridge removal. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable operation.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple axes of rotation are implemented for cartridge motion, then shaving performance and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge motion capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism provides dynamic rotational motion of the cartridge about a pivot axis, enabling the cartridge to adapt between different positions during use. This single-axis dynamic rotation achieves adaptability for improved shaving performance without the complexity of multi-axis mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves improved shaving performance, safety, and product integrity with reduced manufacturing complexity, enabling cost-effective production of durable and ergonomic handles suitable for both wet and dry shaving.

Implementation Method 1

A benefit delivery assembly for providing heating or cooling, and/or for applying fluids to the skin is disposed in an area between said first and second members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

A benefit delivery assembly for providing heating or cooling, and/or for applying fluids to the skin is disposed in an area between said first and second members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

the movable elements serve as a cartridge eject mechanism and are configured to perform a rotational and/or linear movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 4

the movable elements serve as a cartridge eject mechanism and are configured to perform a rotational and/or linear movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear movement:

Data Source

PatentEP3775633B1Razor handle with movable members
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3775633B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3775633B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3775633B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A handle (12) for a shaving razor in which the handle comprises a frame and a movable member assembly operably coupled to the frame such that the frame is disposed between the movable member assembly and where the movable member assembly portions are configured to move both above and below the frame. The movement can be linear or rotational. The movable member assembly comprises one or more springs. A razor handle includes a rigid member (18), a first member (19) having one or more movable elements wherein a portion of the first member is connected to a first surface of the rigid member, a second member, the second member (20) coupled to a second surface of the rigid member wherein a benefit delivery assembly is disposed in an area between the rigid member and the second member.