Razor Cartridge Blade Stabilization via Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaving razor cartridges face challenges in constraining blades effectively during shaving, leading to reduced performance and potential damage due to thinner blades and susceptibility to movement and creep, especially under varying shaving forces.
Innovation Solution
A shaving razor cartridge design featuring a housing with laterally spaced blade stabilizers and a blade retention member that constrains the primary blade's cutting edge between the stabilizers and retention members, minimizing movement and enhancing blade retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thinner blades and blade support members are used to improve rinsing and cutting efficiency, then rinsing efficiency and cutting performance are improved, but the blades and support members become more susceptible to movement and damage during shaving
Solution Approach 1:
The blade support structure is divided into multiple discrete support members distributed across the housing, each providing localized support to specific portions of the blade. This segmentation allows the thin blade to be supported at multiple points, preventing movement and damage while maintaining the thin profile for improved rinsing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the blade support system by introducing multiple support members with specific geometric configurations and material properties. These parameter changes enable the support structure to provide adequate constraint and protection to thin blades without compromising rinsing efficiency or cutting performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for the housing to reduce cost and complexity, then manufacturing cost and structural simplicity are improved, but the plastic materials are susceptible to creep when used as spring members
Solution Approach 1:
The spring function is segmented from the housing structure, with dedicated spring fingers or biasing members separated from the main housing body. This allows the housing to be made of inexpensive plastic while the spring elements can be made of metal or engineered polymer materials that resist creep, combining cost-effectiveness with functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining plastic housing materials with metal or high-performance polymer spring elements. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function - the plastic housing provides cost-effective structure while the metal springs provide creep-resistant biasing forces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal or steel mechanisms are used for spring members to reduce creep, then creep resistance and durability are improved, but the cost and complexity of the shaving cartridge increase
Solution Approach 1:
Metal or high-performance materials are applied locally only to the spring fingers and critical biasing members where creep resistance is essential, while the rest of the housing and non-critical components remain in simpler, less expensive materials. This localized application of quality reduces overall complexity and cost while maintaining necessary durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explores parameter changes in material selection, considering engineered polymers, filled plastics, or metal-polymer composites that can provide creep resistance with simpler geometries and fewer parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the required stability.
4Reliability
If the blades are constrained more strongly to prevent movement, then blade stability and shaving performance are improved, but the risk of damaging the blades and support members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements, compliant support structures, or damage-absorbing features in the blade mounting and constraint system. These elements provide beforehand protection by absorbing excessive forces or misalignment stresses that could otherwise damage the thin blades or support members, while still maintaining adequate constraint for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint system parameters are optimized to provide sufficient restriction of blade movement for stability while maintaining force distribution and contact pressures within safe limits. This involves careful adjustment of constraint geometry, material compliance, and force distribution to prevent damage while ensuring stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembling a razor cartridge. A housing is injection molded. An elastomer is co-injection molded to the housing forming a pair of laterally spaced apart blade stabilizers. A primary blade member having a cutting edge is mounted to the housing. The cutting edge of the primary blade member is contacted with the laterally spaced apart blade stabilizers. A blade retention member is mounted to a top surface of the housing. A pair of lateral ends of the cutting edge of the primary blade member is constrained between the blade retention member and the pair of laterally spaced apart blade stabilizers.