Rear-Loading Razor Cartridge with Segmented Blade Retainer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current disposable razor cartridges are difficult to recycle due to their complex composition of multiple plastic and metal components, leading to unnecessary waste, as only the dull razor blade needs to be replaced.

Innovation Solution

A razor cartridge design with a replaceable razor blade and an adjustable frame that provides a secure and easily removable cover for holding the razor blades, allowing for safe and easy replacement of blades without exposing the user to the blade during installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If disposable razor cartridges are used, then ease of use and convenience are improved, but waste and environmental impact increase due to disposal of entire cartridge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidwaste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The razor cartridge is divided into separable components: a reusable cartridge body and a replaceable blade. This segmentation allows the blade to be replaced independently without discarding the entire cartridge, reducing waste while maintaining the convenience of disposable blade technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional razor cartridges with multiple components are used, then functionality is improved, but recycling difficulty increases due to complex composition

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidrecycling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is extracted as a separate, easily removable component from the cartridge body. This extraction simplifies the recycling process by allowing the blade to be removed and disposed of separately, while the cartridge body can be more easily recycled or reused without contamination from mixed materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If replaceable blades point toward user during replacement, then blade installation is simplified, but user safety is compromised due to exposure to sharp edge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade installationVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the user grip and install the blade with the cutting edge facing toward them (traditional method), the blade is designed to be installed with the cutting edge facing away from the user. The cartridge structure guides the blade into place with the sharp edge oriented safely away from the user's hands, reversing the traditional orientation to prioritize safety while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250196381A1Razor with Rear Loading Razor Blades

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 LEAF SHAVE COMPANY LLC

AI summary

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a shaving razor, having: a handle having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having at least one biased arm configured to couple to a cartridge; the cartridge coupled to the biased arms, the cartridge having a first cartridge arm and a second cartridge arm separated by at least one blade retainer configured to releasably fix at least one shaving razor blade thereto; the at least one blade retainer having a blade handling surface having a first side portion that defines a plane and a second side portion configured to receive the at least one shaving razor blade; and where the cartridge is configured to expose a cutting edge of the at least one shaving razor blade past the first side portion.