Rotating Shaving Head Assembly for Contoured Surface Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shaving devices often lack versatility and effectiveness when dealing with contoured body surfaces, as they typically have fixed blade angles that do not adapt well to varying surface shapes.

Innovation Solution

A compact shaving apparatus with a rotating shaving head assembly that can pivot between neutral and extreme positions, allowing the blades to maintain optimal cutting contact on curved surfaces, and a design featuring rolling elements for enhanced contact points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed blade angle is used in traditional razor systems, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot adapt to contoured body surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to contoured surfacesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a rotating head assembly that can pivot and rotate to adapt to contoured body surfaces. The head assembly includes a cartridge holder that rotates about a longitudinal axis, and the cartridge itself can rotate about a transverse axis, transforming the static blade structure into a dynamic system that automatically adjusts to surface contours while maintaining the cutting edge at the optimal angle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating head assembly is added to adapt to contoured surfaces, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to contoured surfacesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shaving device into distinct modular segments: a handle, a cartridge holder that rotates about a longitudinal axis, and a cartridge that can rotate about a transverse axis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing of the rotating mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating head assembly serves multiple functions: it adapts to contoured surfaces, maintains optimal cutting angles, and provides versatility for different shaving directions. By integrating these functions into a single rotating mechanism, the patent reduces the need for multiple separate components or adjustment mechanisms

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the blade cartridge is made flexible between blades, then contact with contoured surfaces improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact with contoured surfacesVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flexibility specifically at the blade cartridge level, allowing it to bend and conform to surface contours. This localized flexibility is achieved through design features in the cartridge structure that permit controlled movement between blades, while the overall alignment and positioning of the cartridge relative to the rotating head are maintained with precise manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 apparatus effectively shaves contoured surfaces by maintaining a consistent cutting angle through rotational adjustment and dual contact points, improving shaving performance on non-flat areas.

Implementation Method 1

one or more rolling elements rotatingly attached to the bottom surface, near the front portion of the apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

the shaving head assembly, or a subunit thereof, rotates about an axis of rotation defined by the major axis of the mounting shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP3700723B1Shaving apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 HEADBLADE
  • EP3700723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3700723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3700723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to shaving apparatus having a body including a bottom surface, a top surface, a front portion, a back portion and a central lumen forming a lumen opening at the back portion of the apparatus. The central lumen includes a bearing surface and one or more rolling elements are rotatingly attached to the bottom surface of the shaving apparatus, near the front portion of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaving head assembly rotatably attachable within the central lumen of the body, the shaving head assembly including: 1) one or more shaving blades mounted within a blade cartridge, the one or more shaving blades having a major orientation axis; 2) a blade cartridge attachment arm for attachment of the blade cartridge to a mounting shaft having a bearing surface, wherein the shaving head assembly, or a subunit thereof, rotates about an axis of rotation defined by the major axis of the mounting shaft.