Universal Razor Cartridge Handle With Dual Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety razor handles are incompatible with different types of razor cartridges, limiting user versatility and requiring adapters for trying new cartridges on old handles.

Innovation Solution

A razor cartridge handle designed with dual assemblies to accommodate two distinct types of cartridges, featuring a plunger and ejector mechanism that allows only one cartridge to be attached at a time, with stabilizing projections for secure attachment and easy ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-point plug and socket docking arrangement is used to mount razor cartridges, then the structure is simple, but the handle becomes incompatible with different types of razor cartridges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking arrangement structureVSAvoidcompatibility with different cartridge types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed with a universal docking arrangement that can accommodate multiple types of razor cartridges through a single interface. The connecting member features a socket portion that receives different shaped extensions, and stabilizing projections that can alternatively fit within connecting members of different cartridge types, enabling one handle to serve multiple cartridge types without requiring separate handles for each cartridge type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing projections act as intermediary elements that facilitate compatibility between the handle and different cartridge types. These projections can alternatively fit within the connecting member of certain cartridge types or remain external to others, mediating the connection between the single-point docking arrangement and various cartridge geometries to achieve universal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are used to enable compatibility between handles and different cartridge types, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different cartridge typesVSAvoidadditional adapter components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle design merges the functions of multiple docking arrangements into a single integrated structure. By incorporating stabilizing projections and a versatile socket portion, the handle combines the capabilities of what would otherwise require separate handles or adapters for different cartridge types, eliminating the need for additional adapter components while maintaining compatibility across multiple cartridge types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the plunger is biased to contact the attached razor cartridge, then cartridge retention is improved, but ejection mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecartridge retentionVSAvoidejection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plunger mechanism operates on a self-service principle where the biased plunger automatically retains the cartridge during normal use through continuous contact pressure. For ejection, the user simply presses the cartridge against the plunger's bias direction, utilizing the plunger's own biased force against the cartridge to facilitate removal. This eliminates the need for separate ejection springs or complex release mechanisms, as the plunger's bias serves both retention and ejection functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3782781B1Universal razor cartridge handle
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE BRANDS LLC
  • EP3782781B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3782781B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C
  • EP3782781B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A razor cartridge handle (30) configured to be connected to first and second type razor cartridges (32, 34), which first and second type razor cartridges (32, 34) are different from one another, is provided. The handle (30) includes a cartridge end (36), a first assembly (58), a second assembly (80), an ejector (44), and a plunger (42). The first assembly (58) is configured to connect the first type razor cartridge (32) to a cartridge end (36) of the handle (30). The second assembly (80) is configured to connect the second type razor cartridge (34) to the cartridge end (36) of the handle (30). The razor cartridge ejector (44) is operable to selectively eject both first type razor cartridges (32) and second type razor cartridges (34). The plunger (42) is normally biased to a position where a distal end (43) of the plunger (42) is in contact with the attached razor cartridge.