Storage assembly for a shaving razor system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shaving razor packaging generates significant waste and is not reusable, posing environmental concerns and inefficiencies in both retail display and consumer use.

Innovation Solution

A storage assembly comprising a case with removable, flexible inserts made of durable materials like silicone or thermoplastic elastomers, designed to securely hold shaving razor components, allowing for easy cleaning and reuse, and featuring a hinge mechanism for opening and closing, ensuring minimal waste and adaptability for different components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional single-use plastic packaging is used for shaving razors, then the product can be easily manufactured and displayed in retail, but it generates significant waste and cannot be reused for storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoidreusability for storage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging insert is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as retail display packaging, protective packaging during shipping, and a reusable storage container for razor components. The insert's cavities are configured to hold razor cartridges and handles, and the container provides a closure mechanism, making it a versatile storage solution that eliminates the need for separate packaging materials.

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

2Reliability

If paperboard boxes and inserts are used instead of plastic, then the packaging becomes recyclable, but it lacks durability for repeated use and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging durabilityVSAvoidpackaging material simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging insert is made from a composite material structure combining a rigid outer shell (providing durability and shape retention) with a flexible inner material (providing cushioning and grip). This composite construction enables the packaging to withstand repeated handling, cleaning, and reuse while maintaining its protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of substance

If the packaging is designed to be reusable and durable, then waste is reduced, but the device complexity increases with additional features like hinges and removable inserts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging wasteVSAvoidpackaging structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is segmented into modular components: a main container body, removable inserts with cavities for holding razor components, and a hinge mechanism for opening/closing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling easy cleaning, maintenance, and adaptability for different razor configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the packaging insert is made flexible and removable, then it allows for easy cleaning and adaptability, but it may be difficult to insert into the container initially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidinsert installation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to deform elastically during insertion into the container and then return to its original shape. This dynamic property enables the insert to pass through tight spaces during assembly while maintaining its structural integrity and cavities for holding razor components, and also allows for easy removal and cleaning by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3871557B1Storage assembly for a shaving razor system
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 THE GILLETTE CO
  • EP3871557B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3871557B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3871557B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A storage assembly for a shaving razor system including a case with a top portion and a bottom portion and an insert including a material having a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 70. The insert includes one or more cavities configured to receive one or more components of the shaving razor system, and the bottom portion of the case defines a compartment configured to removably receive the insert within the bottom portion. Also provided is a method of assembling a storage assembly for a shaving razor system.