Shaving System Cantilever Latch Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shaving razor systems require complex handle heads and cartridges for attaching and biasing pivotally mounted razor cartridges, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified shaving system with a single-piece connector that elastically deforms to pivotally mount and bias a razor cartridge using integrally formed springs, featuring a cantilever latch and a sliding mechanism for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional handle heads and cartridges are used with complex spring assemblies and latch mechanisms, then reliable cartridge retention and return to home position is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (latch mechanism, spring assembly, cartridge mounting, and home position biasing) into a single integrated connector component. The connector includes a body with a latch mechanism that also serves as the mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate handle heads and complex spring assemblies while maintaining reliable cartridge retention and return to home position.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) mechanical latch engagement for cartridge retention, (2) spring-loaded biasing for return to home position, (3) pivot mounting for cartridge rotation, and (4) structural support for the shaving head. This universal design replaces multiple specialized components with a single versatile connector.
2Reliability
If conventional latch mechanisms with multiple parts are used, then secure cartridge attachment is achieved, but ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism, spring assembly, and mounting structure are merged into a single connector component that can be manufactured as one piece. This integration eliminates the need for assembling multiple separate parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining secure cartridge attachment through the integrated latch engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-contained spring-loaded latch mechanisms that automatically engage and disengage the cartridge without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring provides automatic biasing for both engagement and return-to-home functions, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and simplified method for mounting and biasing razor cartridges, reducing the complexity and cost of shaving systems while ensuring reliable cartridge retention and return to a home position.
Implementation Method 1
an inwardly-extending cantilever latch that is elastically deformable in a substantially vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
a substantially vertical connector wall for engaging and deflecting the cantilever latch upward as the extension is slidingly engaged with the bottom wall
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A shaving system having replaceable blade cartridges is provided with a simple connector for pivotably mounting the cartridge, and for attaching to a handle with a simple latch mechanism. Embodiments include a handle having a handle body, and a connector mounting portion at the front of the handle body with a substantially horizontal bottom wall and an inwardly-extending, elastically deformable cantilever latch. The connector has a cartridge mounting structure, and a handle attachment portion extending rearward from a central body. The handle attachment portion has an extension for slidingly mating with the bottom wall of the handle's connector mounting portion, and a substantially vertical connector wall for engaging and deflecting the cantilever latch upward as the extension is slidingly engaged with the bottom wall, until an engagement portion of the cantilever latch snaps over the connector wall to removably retain the connector on the handle between bottom wall of the handle connector mounting portion and the cantilever latch.