Shaving Razor Skin Interconnect Member Pivotal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current razor cartridge designs are costly and complex to manufacture due to the need for separate molds and production equipment for each configuration, and they lack a standard blade unit that can be easily and intuitively attached to a handle while providing pivotal functionality.

Innovation Solution

A shaving razor system with a handle featuring a skin interconnect member that is pivotal relative to the handle, allowing for quick and safe attachment of razor cartridges, and utilizing a trapezoidal prism-shaped skin interconnect member with fluid, thermal, or scrubbing elements, which can be rotated about multiple axes using rolling element bearings and spring return mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate molds and production equipment are used for each cartridge configuration, then various consumer demands can be met, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge configuration varietyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple cartridge configurations through a single standardized interface. The pivot mechanism and mounting features are configured to work with various cartridge designs, allowing one handle to serve multiple functions and support different consumer preferences without requiring separate production lines for each cartridge type.

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

2Ease of operation

If pivot functionality is disposed on the razor cartridge, then the blade can follow skin surface contours, but the device becomes costly and complex to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade following capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot functionality is merged from the cartridge into the handle structure. The handle contains the pivot mechanism, pivot axis, and associated springs, while the cartridge serves only as a replaceable blade holder. This consolidation reduces cartridge complexity and allows the pivot function to be manufactured once in the handle rather than being replicated in each cartridge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot mechanism is designed to automatically adjust the blade angle to follow skin contours through spring-loaded tension and mechanical leverage. The system self-regulates the pivot position based on contact forces with the skin, eliminating the need for complex control systems or active adjustment mechanisms in the cartridge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a standard blade unit is used for multiple configurations, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the attachment mechanism must be highly versatile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidattachment mechanism flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle mounting structure incorporates universal features including a standardized pivot axis, adjustable spring tension, and flexible positioning mechanisms that can accommodate various cartridge shapes, sizes, and blade arrangements. The mounting interface is designed to work with multiple cartridge configurations through geometric compatibility and adjustable mechanical constraints.

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

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

This design reduces manufacturing costs and complexity by allowing multiple cartridge configurations to share a standard blade unit, enabling quick and intuitive attachment, while providing effective skin benefits and improved shaving performance.

Implementation Method 1

spring return mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

rolling element bearings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling element bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3774219B1Shaving razor system including skin interconnect member
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3774219B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3774219B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3774219B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

The invention is directed toward a shaving razor system. The razor system has a handle and a razor cartridge. The handle has at least one skin interconnect member in pivotal relation to a proximal end portion of the handle. The razor cartridge has a housing, at least one blade, and at least one opening which extends through the housing. The razor cartridge is engaged with the skin interconnect member when the skin interconnect member is disposed within the opening securing the razor cartridge to the proximal end portion of the handle. The razor cartridge is in a pivotal relation with the handle, but not with the skin interconnect member. A pivot point of the razor system is desirably disposed near the front blade of the cartridge. Axes of movement in the razor system can be provided by different physical order of connections of razor components.