Foldable Box Opener Pen Top with Rotating Tapered Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cutting packaging tape on cardboard boxes, such as using a key or screwdriver, pose safety risks due to sharp edges, and a box opener is often not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A foldable box opener securely attachable to a writing implement with a retractable blade that has a tapered, blunt edge for cutting packaging tape, preventing skin laceration and featuring a pin for rotation between retracted and extended positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp-edged tool is used to cut packaging tape, then the cutting effectiveness is improved, but the safety risk increases due to potential skin laceration
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thinner first portion for effective cutting and a thicker second portion for safety. This local variation in geometric property allows the tool to perform cutting function while preventing skin laceration through the thicker section
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is segmented into distinct portions with different thickness characteristics. The first portion (thinner) handles the cutting task while the second portion (thicker) serves as a safety feature, creating functional zones within a single component
2Reliability
If a dedicated box opener is carried separately, then the safety and cutting capability are improved, but the convenience decreases due to carrying an additional item
Solution Approach 1:
The box opener blade is integrated with a writing implement (pen, pencil, or marker) to create a multi-functional device. The blade can be attached to or removed from the writing implement, allowing users to have both functions in one item without carrying separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The writing implement serves dual purposes: writing/pointing and box opening. The blade component can be attached to various types of writing implements, making the system universally applicable and eliminating the need for dedicated box opener tools
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable blade mechanism is implemented, then the safety is improved by reducing exposed sharp edges, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to move between extended (cutting) and retracted (safe) positions. This dynamic configuration enables the blade to transition between functional and safe states, reducing exposed sharp edges when not in use
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable box opener is securable to a writing or pointing implement and has a blade mount having a collar attachable to a top portion of the writing implement and a portion adjacent the collar, with the offset portion including an opening extending through the offset portion, a blade including a first blade edge and a second blade edge opposite the first blade edge, and a pin attached to the blade and the collar allowing rotation of the blade about the collar. The blade first edge is tapered to have a smaller thickness than the second edge, with the first edge thickness being sufficiently narrow to cut a cardboard box or packaging tape while being sufficiently wide to prevent a user's skin from being pierced or lacerated.