Multi-material return element for shaving blade pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaving systems with pivoting attachments often lack effective resistance and return mechanisms, leading to suboptimal shaving performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-material return element combining a semi-rigid plastic layer and an elastomeric material, which provides resistance and return forces, is integrated into the shaving system to bias the blade unit towards a rest position and maintain contact with the skin surface during shaving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pusher and follower mechanism is used to provide resistance and return forces, then the blade unit can be returned to a neutral position, but the device complexity increases and the shaving performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pusher and follower mechanisms into a single integrated return element made of elastomeric material. This return element simultaneously provides both the resistance force during shaving and the return force to bring the blade unit back to neutral position, eliminating the need for separate pusher and follower components and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving shaving performance
Solution Approach 2:
The return element is made of elastomeric material that combines the properties of both pusher and follower elements. This composite material approach allows a single component to deliver the dual functionality of resistance provision and return force generation, simplifying the overall mechanism while enhancing reliability and shaving performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blade unit is pivotably mounted to maintain contact with skin surface, then shaving adaptability improves, but the blade unit may lack consistent resistance and return forces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric return element is designed with specific geometric parameters including thickness, width, and curvature that can be varied to optimize both the adaptability to skin contours and the provision of consistent resistance and return forces. By carefully controlling these parameters, the single return element achieves both functions simultaneously
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 multi-material return element enhances shaving performance by providing consistent resistance and return forces, improving the blade's ability to follow skin contours and maintain optimal contact, resulting in better shaving results and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric material, which work together to provide the resistance and return forces
Implementation Method 2
configured to provide a return force between the blade unit and handle
Data Source
AI summary
Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably 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 provides resistance during shaving and positions the blade unit in a rest position when not in use.