Movable Razor Handle Structure for Ergonomics and Cartridge Security

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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 skin interaction and shaving performance.

Innovation Solution

A razor structure featuring a rigid member with upper and lower portions that include location features, allowing for secure attachment and movement of cartridge elements, enabling multiple axes of motion and simplified manufacturing, while providing enhanced ergonomics and skin interaction benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additional components with prescribed motion are added to improve ergonomics and cartridge attachment, then consumer benefits are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidcomponent complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cartridge attachment mechanism and ergonomic grip features into the basic handle structure itself, rather than adding separate components. The handle is designed with integrated features that provide both ergonomic benefits and secure cartridge attachment through simple geometric shapes and material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing ergonomic grip, securing the cartridge, enabling multiple axes of rotation, and supporting benefit delivery features. This multi-functionality is achieved through the inherent design of the handle rather than through additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If tight tolerances are specified for additional components, then cartridge attachment security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge attachment securityVSAvoidtolerance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge attachment system is divided into discrete geometric features (location features, engagement features) that are easily manufacturable with standard tolerances. Each feature performs a specific function independently, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly without requiring tight overall tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses geometric parameters and material properties inherent to the handle structure to ensure secure attachment, rather than relying on tight dimensional tolerances. Features are designed with generous tolerances while maintaining functional security through their geometric configuration and material characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing cartridge interfaces are used to deliver benefits close to skin, then compatibility is improved, but handle ergonomics and shaving performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge compatibilityVSAvoidshaving performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions benefit delivery features from the cartridge into the handle, allowing benefits to be delivered from a different spatial location (the handle rather than the cartridge). This dimensional change enables improved ergonomics and shaving performance while maintaining cartridge compatibility through the preserved interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle acts as an intermediary between the cartridge and the user, providing benefit delivery features that enhance the shaving experience. The handle mediates the interaction between the cartridge and the user's skin, allowing for improved ergonomics and performance while the cartridge remains compatible with existing designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If heating elements and complex interfaces are added to cartridges, then consumer benefits are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebenefit delivery capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts benefit delivery features from the cartridge and places them in the handle. This extraction eliminates the need for heating elements and complex interfaces in the cartridge, simplifying cartridge manufacturing while maintaining the ability to deliver benefits close to the skin through the handle's features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simplifies the cartridge design to be a simpler, potentially disposable component, while moving complex and expensive benefit delivery features to the reusable handle. This allows the cartridge to be manufactured at lower cost with simpler materials and processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11590669B2Razor handle with movable members

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 THE GILLETTE CO

AI summary

A handle 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 upper and lower 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.