Oval Razor Housing with Angled Blade for Inner Surface Trimming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hair trimming tools are not optimized for shaving inner surfaces such as nostrils and ears, being susceptible to water, not shaving close enough, and are expensive.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical handle with a prolate spheroid or oval housing containing a removable blade that is angled for effective shaving, with a thru-slot for debris collection, and can be motorized for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical razors with electrically driven blade mechanisms are used for inner surfaces, then shaving convenience is improved, but susceptibility to water during cleaning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaving convenienceVSAvoidwater susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrically driven blade mechanism with a manually operated blade system. The blade is directly manipulated by the user's hand movements, eliminating motors, batteries, and electrical components that would be susceptible to water damage during cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If electrical razors with blade guards are used for inner surfaces, then safety is improved, but shaving closeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidshaving closeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the blade system. The blade itself has a sharp cutting edge for close shaving, while the housing provides localized protection. The blade protrudes slightly from the housing to allow close contact with skin, but the housing edges remain rounded for safety, creating local quality differentiation between cutting and protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If specialized razors for inner surfaces are designed, then shaving effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaving effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shaving device into simple, distinct components: a handle for grip, a housing for protection and debris collection, and a blade for cutting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall device simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thru-slot dimension in the housing that provides a third spatial dimension for debris ejection. This dimensional addition allows shaving debris to be expelled through the slot during rotation, improving shaving effectiveness without adding complex mechanical ejection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional razors are used for inner surfaces, then cost is reduced, but adaptability to inner surface geometry deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidadaptability to inner surface geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent gives the housing a curved, ergonomic shape that conforms to the geometry of inner surfaces such as nostrils and ears. This curvature allows the device to adapt to contoured body surfaces while maintaining simple manufacturing processes using common molding techniques, balancing adaptability with cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10543606B2Hair trimming method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 SCHATZ JAMES

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for trimming hairs by rotating a housing on a handle that contains one or more razor blades angled for shaving adjacent hairs.