Razor Blade Holder Assembly Tool-Free Replacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing razor blade holder assemblies in packaging equipment pose a risk of injury due to the exposure of blades during replacement, as they require the use of wrenches and sockets, limiting access and increasing the likelihood of accidental cuts.
Innovation Solution
A razor blade holder assembly with a movable jaw and adjustment plate mechanism, featuring a biasing member and an elongated rod member that allows for safe clamping and removal of the blade without the need for additional tools, by rotating the rod member to separate the plate member from the support face, facilitating tool-free replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners (wrenches and sockets) are used to secure the razor blade between two jaws, then the blade can be firmly clamped, but the blade becomes exposed and accessible, increasing the risk of injury during replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The razor blade is nested within a protective housing structure where the blade holder assembly is contained within the pouch machine housing. The blade is secured between jaws that are themselves contained within the housing, providing inherent protection while maintaining secure clamping through the nested configuration
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover or housing acts as an intermediary between the operator and the exposed razor blade. This intermediary structure allows the blade to remain securely clamped while preventing direct access to the cutting edge during normal operation and replacement procedures
2Strength
If traditional fasteners requiring wrenches and sockets are used, then secure clamping is achieved, but the complexity of the replacement process increases due to tool requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder assembly incorporates integrated fastening mechanisms where the clamping jaws are directly attached to the housing or mounted on a simple removable carrier. This self-service design eliminates the need for external wrenches and sockets, allowing operators to replace blades by simply removing the entire jaw assembly or carrier as a unit
Solution Approach 2:
The blade holder assembly is segmented into modular components where the clamping jaws can be easily separated from the housing or mounted on a removable carrier. This segmentation allows the blade replacement process to be simplified to basic steps of removing the carrier or jaws without requiring complex tool operations
3Productivity
If the razor blade is exposed for easy access during replacement, then replacement speed may improve, but the risk of accidental cuts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing or cover is pre-positioned to cover the blade during operation. During replacement, the entire jaw assembly or carrier is pre-designed to be removable as a unit, allowing rapid replacement while the protective structure remains in place until the moment of actual blade access, minimizing exposure time
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is nested within the jaw assembly which is itself nested within or protected by the housing structure. This nested configuration allows the blade to be accessed by simply removing the outer protective layers rather than exposing the blade fully, maintaining safety while enabling relatively quick replacement
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 solution enables safe and tool-free replacement of razor blades, reducing the risk of injury and simplifying the process by using a built-in mechanism that allows for easy access and secure clamping, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member comprises an elastomer that overlies an outer surface of the plate member
Implementation Method 2
The elongated rod member has a forcing surface selectively rotatable into the plate member
Data Source
AI summary
A razor blade holder assembly having a body, a movable jaw and an adjustment member. The body has a fixed jaw with a support face and an adjustor channel. The movable jaw assembly has a plate member and a releasable securement subassembly. The plate member is over the adjustor channel and the support face. The releasable securement subassembly couples the plate member to the body and applies a biasing force against the plate member toward the support face. The adjustment member has an elongated rod member rotatably within the adjustor channel, a forcing surface is selectively rotatable into the plate member to direct the plate member away from the support face. In a clamped configuration, the plate member clamps a razor blade. In an open configuration, the forcing surface of the elongated rod member overcomes the biasing member to separate the plate member from the support face.