Loop-Shaped Razor Spring Mechanism for Compact Eject and Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current razors face limitations with existing spring mechanisms, which are inadequate for providing both pivot and eject functionalities due to size, complexity, and fatigue issues, leading to potential safety concerns and diminished performance over time, especially after accidental drops.
Innovation Solution
A loop-shaped spring member with overlapping end portions and retarding structures, made of stainless steel, is used to provide enhanced eject and pivot functionalities, allowing for longer travel distances without exceeding yield stresses, thus reducing fatigue and offering design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If coil springs or straight springs are used for eject or pivot functionality, then the spring can provide the necessary force, but the spring occupies a lot of volume and cannot allow for large deflections without exceeding yield stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved blade element with a specific radius of curvature (R1) that allows the blade to deflect and follow skin contours. This curvature enables the blade to accommodate large deflections during pivoting and ejecting operations without exceeding material yield stresses, while maintaining a compact form factor that reduces the volume occupied by the moving components.
2Reliability
If separate springs are used for pivot movement and eject movement, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single blade element structure. The blade element serves both as the cutting component and as the pivoting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pivot springs. The curved geometry of the blade element itself provides the necessary elasticity and movement for both pivoting and ejecting operations, thereby reducing device complexity and component count while maintaining functional reliability.
3Length of moving object
If the spring travel distance is increased to provide larger deflections, then more functionality can be added, but the spring may exceed yield stresses and strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the blade element, specifically the radius of curvature (R1) and thickness (T1), to optimize the balance between travel distance and structural strength. By carefully selecting these parameters, the blade element can achieve sufficient deflection for enhanced functionality while remaining within the elastic deformation range and avoiding yield stress exceedance.
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 enables reliable and durable performance by distributing deflection across its length, reducing stress and fatigue, and providing sufficient force for returning the eject button to its rest position, while also allowing for additional functionality in a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the loop shaped spring member has radii of curvature between about 1 mm to about 12 mm... providing sufficient force for returning the eject button to its rest position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
The present invention describes a novel spring mechanism for a razor 70. In the razor, the spring member 92 may be disposed in a movable member assembly 72, 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 93 therein. The spring is a loop-shaped element having overlapping end portions 96a, 96b with free distal ends 96a', 96b'. 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 82, 84 such as an eject button or a pivot member. A retarding structure 92a on the spring provides a retarding force which is based on the interaction of the retarding structure with a protrusion 95 on an assembly portion to keep the spring orientation intact. The spring is desirably comprised of stainless steel and is a flat wire.