Razor Handle Pod With Cantilever Tail for Dual-Axis Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current razors with single axes of rotation fail to maintain consistent blade contact with curved shaving areas, leading to incomplete shaves due to limited pivoting ability, and adding multiple axes of rotation increases complexity, cost, and durability issues in manufacturing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A handle design featuring a pod with a cantilever tail that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the frame, generating a return torque to facilitate dual-axis rotation of the blade cartridge unit, allowing for improved skin contour following without additional complex components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple axes of rotation are added to the razor, then the ability to follow skin contours is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to follow skin contoursVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple rotation axes into a single integrated pod structure. The blade cartridge unit is mounted on a pod that rotates about a first axis perpendicular to the handle, while the entire pod assembly rotates about a second axis perpendicular to the first. This merging of multiple rotational functions into one integrated component achieves multi-axis adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pod structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the blade cartridge unit, provides the first axis of rotation for fine positioning, enables the second axis of rotation for broader contour following, and generates return torque through its cantilever tail design. This multi-functionality allows the single pod component to deliver complex multi-axis motion capabilities without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple axes of rotation are added to the razor, then the closeness of shave is improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloseness of shaveVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple rotational axes into a unified pod assembly that can be manufactured as a single component or pre-assembled unit. The blade cartridge unit, pod, and rotation mechanisms are combined such that the entire multi-axis rotation system can be manufactured and tested together, then installed as one assembly into the handle, significantly reducing the number of separate manufacturing and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cantilever tail of the pod automatically generates return torque to return the blade cartridge unit to its neutral position after rotation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional springs, motors, or electronic control systems to manage the multiple axes of rotation, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precise blade positioning capability for close shaves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added for multiple axes of rotation, then the pivoting ability is improved, but reliability and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting abilityVSAvoidreliability and durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple pivoting functions into a single pod assembly with integrated rotation mechanisms. By combining the blade cartridge mounting, first axis rotation, and second axis rotation into one unified structure, the patent reduces the total number of separate components and connection points, thereby improving reliability and durability while maintaining enhanced pivoting ability for following skin contours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cantilever tail structure provides automatic return torque through its own geometry and elasticity, eliminating the need for additional springs, dampers, or electronic actuators. This self-service approach reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points, enhancing reliability and durability while still enabling precise multi-axis pivoting motion for improved shaving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 handle design enables a razor with dual-axis rotation that is simpler, cost-effective, reliable, and easier to manufacture and assemble, providing enhanced shaving performance by maintaining consistent blade contact with various skin contours.

Implementation Method 1

The cantilever tail generates a return torque upon rotation of the pod about the axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2621689B1Razor handle with a rotatable portion
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP2621689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2621689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2621689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A handle for a shaving razor in which the handle comprise a frame and a pod operably coupled to the frame such that the pod is configured to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the frame. The pod comprises a base and a cantilever tail extending from the base. A distal end of the cantilever tail is loosely retained by the frame. The cantilever tail generates a return torque upon rotation of the pod about the axis.