Shaving Razor Cartridge Latching Mechanism for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaving razors with replaceable cartridges face issues with secure attachment and easy detachment, leading to potential unintended detachment during use and difficulty in replacing cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge connecting structure with a latching member and spring return mechanism that securely attaches the cartridge to the handle and allows for easy release and removal, utilizing a projection with a blocking surface and a movable engagement structure for secure locking and easy unlatching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connection structure is used, then the cartridge can be easily attached and detached, but the attachment may be unintentional during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a static connection to a dynamic latching mechanism. The latching member can move between latched and unlatched positions, allowing the system to adapt between secure attachment during use and easy detachment when needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both security and ease of operation at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member acts as an intermediary element between the cartridge connecting structure and the handle connecting structure. It mediates the connection by providing a controllable locking action that prevents unintentional detachment while allowing intentional removal through the ejector mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to secure the cartridge, then attachment security improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the latching member with blocking surface, the engagement structure with camming surface, and the ejector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security. The modular design enables easy manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching member is spring-biased to automatically engage and latch when the cartridge is inserted, eliminating the need for manual latching actions. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the latching action through the camming surface, reducing operational complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If a spring-biased latching member is used, then easy release is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased latching member uses elastic deformation as a key parameter to achieve easy release. The spring bias provides a controlled force that automatically engages the latch and can be overcome by the ejector, eliminating the need for high-precision positioning. The elastic parameter allows for tolerance in manufacturing while maintaining reliable latching and easy release.
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 provides a secure attachment with low likelihood of unintended detachment during use and allows for easy removal and replacement of cartridges with minimal force, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridge connecting structure may include a spring return, e.g., a spring having a bent portion
Data Source
AI summary
Connecting structures are provided, for connecting a cartridge to a handle in a shaving razor, e.g., a razor for wet shaving. A cartridge connecting a structure includes a molded body, and a blade unit receiving portion having a shell bearing structure that pivotally receives a blade unit, the shell bearing structure comprising a pair of shell bearings. The cartridge connecting structure further includes a spring return for biasing the blade unit relative to the cartridge connecting structure, the spring return being positioned between the shell bearings and extending integrally from the molded body of the cartridge connecting structure.