Razor Handle Adapter for Multi-System Cartridge Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face limited flexibility in selecting replacement cartridges for their existing razor handles due to different docking interfaces, with existing adapters not fully addressing the need for compatibility across various razor systems.

Innovation Solution

An adapter system comprising a handle engaging portion and a cartridge engaging portion, allowing for the coupling of razor handles with different docking interfaces, including features like protrusions, recesses, and a slidable collar for easy cartridge ejection, enabling compatibility with multiple razor systems such as GILLETTE MACH3, HARRY'S, AMERICAN SAFETY RAZOR, DORCO, and others.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different docking interfaces are used for various razor systems, then each razor system can have optimized performance and reliability, but users lose flexibility in selecting replacement cartridges and device compatibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking interface reliabilityVSAvoidcartridge compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the handle assembly and cartridge assembly when their native docking interfaces are incompatible. The adapter includes a first interface that couples to the handle assembly and a second interface that couples to the cartridge assembly, thereby mediating the connection between two incompatible systems and enabling cartridge interchangeability without compromising the reliability of either original interface design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal adapter design is created to accommodate multiple razor systems, then cartridge compatibility and user flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-system compatibilityVSAvoidadapter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a first interface portion for coupling to the handle assembly, a second interface portion for coupling to the cartridge assembly, and an ejection mechanism portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling the adapter to accommodate multiple razor systems without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional fixed interconnect structures are used on cartridges, then manufacturing is simplified and reliability is improved, but ease of operation for cartridge replacement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterconnect structure manufacturingVSAvoidcartridge attachment and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly incorporates a dynamic ejection mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The ejection member can be actuated to move from a first position where it engages with the cartridge assembly to a second position where it releases the cartridge, enabling easy one-handed cartridge replacement while maintaining simple fixed interconnect structures on the cartridges themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3448637B1Adapter for a handle
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3448637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3448637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3448637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An adapter for coupling each of a razor handle and a razor cartridge together is provided. The adapter includes a cartridge engaging portion and a handle engaging portion.