Shaving Blade Cartridge Trimming Element Forward Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaving blade cartridges with trimming blades are not ergonomic, requiring users to change their shaving position and handle orientation for trimming, leading to increased time and reduced accessibility of the trimming blade.

Innovation Solution

The trimming element is positioned forward of the primary cutting element, facing towards the bottom side, allowing for full visibility and ease of use without needing to rotate the shaver handle, integrating the trimming function seamlessly into the shaving process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the trimming blade is attached to the back of the housing, then the trimming function is integrated, but the user must rotate the razor handle half a turn to use the trimming blade, reducing maneuverability and increasing trimming time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrimming function integrationVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trimming blade is repositioned from the traditional rear attachment to a forward position on the housing, and its cutting edge is oriented to face the bottom side rather than the rear. This spatial reconfiguration allows the trimming function to be accessed during the normal shaving motion without requiring handle rotation, thereby maintaining versatility while dramatically improving maneuverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the trimming blade is attached to the back of the housing, then the structure is compact, but the trimming blade is not always accessible or visible, increasing the time spent on shaving and trimming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure compactnessVSAvoidshaving and trimming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By repositioning the trimming blade to face the bottom side and locating it forward on the housing, the design makes the trimming edge constantly visible and accessible during the shaving stroke. This eliminates the need to stop or reposition the razor to access the trimming function, reducing total shaving time while maintaining structural compactness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The repositioned trimming blade allows the user to continuously perform trimming actions during the normal shaving motion without interruption. The trimming edge remains visible and accessible throughout the shaving stroke, enabling seamless integration of trimming into the continuous shaving action rather than requiring separate stopping and repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If the trimming blade is attached to the back of the housing, then the design follows conventional structure, but the razor handle must be adapted with a specific finger rest area for trimming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconventional structureVSAvoidhandle adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trimming blade is repositioned from the rear to the forward portion of the housing, with its cutting edge facing the bottom side. This reconfiguration allows the trimming function to be accessed during normal shaving motion, eliminating the need for specialized handle adaptations such as finger rest areas, and maintaining conventional handle design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The repositioned trimming blade enables the same handle design to serve both shaving and trimming functions effectively. By making the trimming edge accessible during normal shaving motion, the handle's gripping features and ergonomics can be optimized for general use without requiring separate adaptations for trimming operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3237156B1A shaving blade cartridge and a shaver comprising such shaving blade cartridge

Publication Date: 2020.04.22 BIC VIOLEX SA

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AI summary

A shaving blade cartridge (10) and a shaver having such shaving blade cartridge comprising: - a housing (18) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis (X-X) having a top side (24) and a bottom side (26) opposite to the top side (24) and front and rear longitudinal sides (28, 30), each front and rear longitudinal sides (28, 30) extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis (X-X) between the top and bottom sides (24, 26), - a primary cutting element (20) mounted on the housing (18) between the front and rear longitudinal sides (28, 30), said primary cutting element (20) having a cutting edge (38) facing forwardly toward the rear longitudinal side (30), - a primary cover (42) located rearward of the primary cutting element (20), - a primary guard (48) located forward of the primary cutting element (20) and, - a trimming element (22) mounted on the housing (18), said trimming element (22) having a trimming edge (50). The trimming element (22) of the shaving blade cartridge (10) is located forward of the primary cutting element (20), the trimming edge (50) facing toward another direction than the front longitudinal side (28).