Rotatable Shaving Razor Demonstration Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face difficulty in understanding and visualizing the performance differences between shaving razors, particularly in terms of closeness, missed hairs, and comfort, as manufacturers struggle to effectively communicate the advantages of various razors, including fixed, single pivot, and multiple pivot models.

Innovation Solution

A shaving demonstration apparatus and method featuring a rotatable support surface and a drive unit, where shaving razors with different blade cartridge units are mounted to a fixture, allowing them to contact and rotate against the surface, facilitating comparison of contact and performance differences, with optional lubrication to reduce friction and highlight better contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional static display methods are used to show razor features, then the apparatus is simple and easy to manufacture, but consumers cannot effectively visualize performance differences such as closeness, missed hairs, and comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance communication effectivenessVSAvoiddemonstration apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static display into a dynamic demonstration system. The rotatable support surface allows the razor to rotate and move, enabling consumers to visually observe performance differences in action rather than through static images or text. This dynamic movement reveals how different pivot mechanisms (fixed, single pivot, multiple pivot) affect blade contact with the skin surface, making performance differences visible and understandable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified model or copy of the actual shaving process. Instead of requiring consumers to shave themselves to experience performance differences, the apparatus creates a representative demonstration model using the rotatable support surface that simulates skin contours. This copy allows effective communication of performance characteristics without the complexity of full-scale testing or multiple product variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If multiple pivot mechanisms are demonstrated to show performance advantages, then consumer understanding of performance differences improves, but the demonstration apparatus requires more complex mounting and rotation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer understanding of razor differencesVSAvoidfixture and rotation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single rotatable support surface that can accommodate and demonstrate multiple razor types (fixed, single pivot, multiple pivot) using the same basic mechanism. The fixture and rotation system serve multiple functions: mounting different razors, enabling rotation to show movement characteristics, and providing a consistent demonstration platform for comparing different pivot mechanisms. This multi-functional design avoids the need for separate complex demonstration systems for each razor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables consumers to visually and effectively compare the performance of shaving razors, demonstrating improved contact and efficiency, thereby communicating the advantages of razors that can better follow skin contours and maintain consistent contact.

Implementation Method 1

The blade cartridge unit contacts the rotatable support surface. The rotatable support surface is rotated causing the blade cartridge unit to rotate about at least one axis relative to the handle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

applying a lubricant to the rotatable support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3003655B1Shaving razor demonstration apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3003655B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3003655B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3003655B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shaving demonstration apparatus having a rotatable support surface. A drive unit is operatively connected to the rotatable support surface. A fixture is spaced apart from the rotatable support surface. A first shaving razor has a first handle mounted to the fixture. A first blade cartridge unit is mounted to an end of the first handle. The first blade cartridge unit contacts the rotatable support surface.