Shaving Razor Retainer Design for Blade Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaving razor manufacturing processes face inefficiencies due to clip buckling during installation, leading to unstable blade exposure and increased production costs, as well as labor-intensive clip installation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A retainer design with a "C" shape, featuring upper, intermediate, and lower portions, along with protrusions, recesses, and surface patterns, securely holds blades in place within the shaving cartridge, ensuring stable blade exposure and facilitating efficient manufacturing by reducing installation complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional clip retaining mechanisms are used during manufacturing, then blade securing function is achieved, but clip buckling occurs leading to unstable blade exposure and increased production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple functional segments including a body portion, leg portion, and flange portion, each performing specific functions. The body portion provides structural support, the leg portion engages with the blade, and the flange portion distributes mounting forces. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, preventing buckling while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer design incorporates pre-formed geometric features (specific angles, curved surfaces, and positioned holes) that are created during manufacturing to ensure proper function during assembly. The leg portion is pre-shaped with specific curvature and angle measurements that automatically guide proper positioning and prevent buckling during clip installation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures.
2Productivity
If conventional clip retaining mechanisms are used, then blade retention is achieved, but additional labor and attention are required to ensure proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer design features self-aligning geometric characteristics where the leg portion's curved surface and specific angles automatically guide the blade into the correct position during assembly. The flange portion with positioned holes provides self-centering during mounting to the cartridge body. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operator intervention or complex alignment procedures, significantly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer employs asymmetric geometric features including non-uniform leg curvature, angled surfaces at specific measurements, and asymmetric hole positioning in the flange. These asymmetric characteristics create a unique fit that guides proper installation automatically, preventing incorrect assembly and eliminating the need for additional labor to ensure proper installation orientation.
3Reliability
If simple retainer design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but blade stability and exposure consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer applies local quality by concentrating geometric complexity only where needed for blade stability. The leg portion features specific curved surfaces and angles for precise blade engagement, while the flange portion has strategically positioned holes for stable mounting. The body portion maintains simpler geometry for cost-effective manufacturing. This localized complexity ensures blade stability without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity or manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer design utilizes specific geometric parameters (angles, curvatures, hole positions) that are optimized to provide maximum blade stability. The leg portion is formed with specific angle measurements and curvature radii that create optimal mechanical engagement with the blade. The flange hole positions are precisely parameterized to distribute mounting forces evenly. These controlled parameter changes achieve high reliability without requiring complex overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer is provided that secures at least one blade within a housing of a shaving blade cartridge. The retainer extends along a pair of side edges of the housing between a front edge of the housing and a rear edge of the housing. The retainer includes an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The lower end portion is connected to the upper end portion by an intermediate portion. The upper end portion includes an edge extending between opposing side edges. The edge includes at least one leg depending therefrom.