Shaving Razor Attachment with Spring-Loaded Slider

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combination shaving and trimming devices are bulky, difficult to use, and often obstruct the view during trimming due to the integration of both electric trimming blades and wet shaving blades, with a need for a secure yet easily removable connecting mechanism to prevent injuries and damage.

Innovation Solution

A battery-operated trimmer with a wet-shaving razor attachment connected via a releasable locking mechanism, featuring alignment grooves and hooks for secure attachment and disengagement, and a spring-loaded slider for impact protection, allowing for one-way attachment and easy switching between shaving and trimming modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both electric trimming blades and wet shaving blades are integrated on the same end of the device, then the device provides both shaving and trimming functions, but the wet shaving blade obstructs the user's view during trimming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaving and trimming functionalityVSAvoiduser view during trimming
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: an electric trimmer unit and a wet shaving razor attachment that can be independently used or combined. The razor attachment includes a connecting member that attaches to the trimmer handle, allowing the functions to be segmented spatially when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a connecting member is used to attach the wet shaving razor to the trimmer handle, then the device allows easy switching between shaving and trimming, but the connection may become unintended disengaged causing injuries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching between shaving and trimmingVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member incorporates a spring-loaded slider mechanism that dynamically adjusts the connection state. The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement while allowing controlled disengagement when force is applied, creating a dynamic balance between secure attachment and safe release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded slider acts as an intermediary element between the hook and the slot, mediating the connection force. It translates user input into controlled engagement and disengagement actions, ensuring reliable connection during normal use while preventing unintended separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the connecting member structure is made firm and secure to transfer all forces, then the attachment prevents unintended disengaging, but the structure cannot withstand impact force when dropped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded slider provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing impact forces through spring compression. When the device is dropped, the spring mechanism cushions the shock, preventing the rigid connection from transmitting full impact force to the cartridge and avoiding damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection stiffness parameter is made variable through the spring mechanism. During normal use, the spring maintains a firm connection for force transfer. During impact, the spring compresses to change the effective stiffness, absorbing shock energy and protecting the cartridge from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the slot includes an overhanging lip for secure attachment, then the connection is firm during use, but the lip may damage the connecting member under impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection firmnessVSAvoidimpact damage to connecting member
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded slider provides beforehand cushioning between the overhanging lip and the hook. During impact, the spring compresses to absorb the shock before it reaches the rigid overhanging lip and hook interface, preventing damage to these components while maintaining connection firmness during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 secure and intuitive attachment that prevents injuries and damage, while allowing easy switching between shaving and trimming modes, ensuring a stable and safe user experience without obstructing the view during trimming.

Implementation Method 1

The spring loaded slider includes a spring that biases back and forth linear movement of the slider along the length of the handle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The alignment members disposed on the trimmer housing provide at least one first connection for the wet shaving razor attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2582496B1Combination shaving and trimming device
Publication Date: 2018.05.02 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP2582496B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP2582496B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2582496B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

A combination shaving and trimming device includes a handle having an upper end and lower end, a powered trimmer disposed adjacent the upper end, a wet-shaving razor attachment adapted for mounting over the trimmer onto the upper end of the handle. The combination shaving and trimming device includes alignment guides providing one way attachment of the wet-shaving razor attachment to the trimmer.