Loop-Shaped Razor Spring for Pivot and Cartridge Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing razor springs are inadequate for providing both pivot and ejection functionalities due to their size, complexity, and susceptibility to fatigue and deformation, especially when subjected to accidental drops, which compromises safety and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A loop-shaped spring member made of stainless steel, designed with a length of 30 mm to 90 mm and radii of curvature between 1 mm to 12 mm, is integrated into the razor assembly to provide both pivot and ejection functionalities, allowing for long travel distances without exceeding yield stresses and strains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coil springs or straight springs are used for pivot and ejection functionalities, then the spring can provide the necessary force, but the spring occupies a lot of volume and has short length which does not allow for large deflections without exceeding yield stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a loop-shaped spring member with curved geometry instead of traditional coil or straight spring designs. The loop shape with specific radii of curvature allows the spring to achieve compact volume while maintaining the ability to undergo large deflections without exceeding yield stresses, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and volume.
2Reliability
If separate springs are used for pivot movement and ejection movement, then each spring can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single loop-shaped spring member that performs both pivot movement and ejection movement functions. The spring's unique geometry allows it to provide optimized performance for both functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate springs and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Length of moving object
If the spring length is increased to allow for large deflections, then the spring can accommodate long travel distances, but the spring exceeds the yield stresses and strains
Solution Approach 1:
The loop-shaped geometry with optimized radii of curvature distributes stress more effectively throughout the spring structure during deflection. This allows the spring to achieve long travel distances through the loop's geometric configuration rather than simply increasing linear length, thereby avoiding exceedance of yield stresses and strains.
4Length of moving object
If the spring undergoes large deflections and bending, then the spring can provide the necessary travel distance, but the spring experiences fatigue and permanent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The loop shape with carefully selected radii of curvature creates a stress distribution pattern that minimizes stress concentrations during large deflections. This geometric configuration allows the spring to undergo repeated large deflections and bending without experiencing fatigue or permanent deformation, thereby maintaining reliability.
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 loop-shaped spring member enhances the razor's operational performance by reducing fatigue and deformation, enabling reliable ejection and pivot movements with low consumer forces, thus improving safety and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a loop shaped spring member made of a stainless steel... providing both pivot and ejection functionalities... reducing fatigue and deformation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a novel spring mechanism for a razor. In the razor, the spring member may be disposed in a movable member assembly, portions of which may be used for ejection or pivoting. The spring may be fully encompassed within the assembly and be placed within supporting structures therein. The spring is a loop-shaped element having overlapping end portions with free distal ends. Alternately, the spring member is tear drop shaped loop shape with distal ends that are spaced apart. The spring may be disposed within a first and/or second movable member such as an eject button or a pivot member. A retarding structure on the spring provides a retarding force which is based on the interaction of the retarding structure with a protrusion on an assembly portion to keep the spring orientation intact. The spring is desirably comprised of stainless steel and is a flat wire.