Push-Pull Locking Mechanism for Shaver Cleaning Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for cleaning devices, such as those in electric shavers, often confuse users as the same force direction is required for locking and unlocking, leading to potential damage when users intuitively apply opposite forces.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a track structure and guided element that allows unlocking via either a pushing or pulling force by incorporating a displaceable supporting member with a predefined contact force threshold, enabling direct displacement from the locked to unlocked position without opposing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same force direction is used for locking and unlocking, then the locking mechanism is simple to operate, but users may apply opposite forces intuitively causing confusion and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The track structure is segmented into multiple portions (first, second, third, fourth track portions) that guide the guided element through distinct displacement paths. This segmentation allows the mechanism to differentiate between locking and unlocking operations, enabling reliable operation whether the user pushes or pulls, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and damage resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is designed to be displaceable between first and second positions, dynamically changing the track structure configuration. When displaced to the second position, the supporting member provides a supporting surface that prevents the guided element from moving beyond the first track position, thereby protecting against damage while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If the supporting member is added to provide push-and pull-to-release function, then user confusion is reduced and damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member serves multiple functions: it provides a supporting surface to guide the guided element, prevents excessive displacement that could cause damage, and enables both push-and pull-to-release operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is integrated within the existing locking mechanism structure, nesting its protective function within the track structure. The supporting member displaces within the confines of the existing mechanism, allowing the additional protective feature to be incorporated without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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 mechanism ensures the locking mechanism remains locked without external force and can be reliably unlocked using either a pushing or pulling force, reducing user confusion and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (14) exerting, during operation, a biasing force (FB) on at least one of the first locking member (11) or the second locking member (12) in a biasing direction (B)
Implementation Method 2
the guided element (16) rests against a supporting surface (19) of the track structure (15) under influence of the biasing force (FB)
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(d)
Figure 3~4c
Figure 5~6c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism (13) comprising a first locking member (11), a second locking member (12), and a biasing member (14) exerting, during operation, a biasing force (FB) on at least the first locking member (11) or the second locking member (12) in a biasing direction (B). The locking mechanism further comprises a guiding structure (32) for mutually guiding the first and second locking members (11, 12), wherein the first locking member (11) comprises a track structure (15) and the second locking member (12) comprises a guided element (16) guided by the track structure (15). The locking mechanism (13) is moved from an un-locked to a locked condition by applying a pushing force to at least one of the first and second locking members (11, 12). The locking mechanism (13) can be moved from the locked to the un-locked condition by applying either a pushing or a pulling force to at least one of the first and second locking members (11, 12). The invention further relates to a device comprising such a locking mechanism (13). Such a device may be a holding device (40) for a shaving apparatus (24), for example a cleaning device for cleaning a shaving head (26) of a shaving apparatus (24).