Cigar Cutter Blade Module Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cigar cutters require users to change hand positions to switch between locked and unlocked states, making them difficult and cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

A cigar cutter design featuring a housing with two movable blade modules and a locking mechanism that allows for quick and easy unlocking by moving the blade modules closer together, eliminating the need to change hand positions during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bolt mechanism is used to lock the blades in the closed configuration, then the blades can be kept securely closed, but the user must change hand positions to operate the bolt, making the cutter difficult and slow to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade locking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking mechanism with the blade module structure itself. The locking element is integrated into the blade module that moves toward the housing, combining the cutting function and locking function into a single integrated component rather than separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade module performs dual functions: it both cuts the cigar and activates the locking mechanism through its own movement. When the blade module moves toward the housing during cutting, it automatically engages or disengages the locking element, making the system self-regulating without requiring separate user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the blade modules are kept in the closed configuration during storage, then they protect the cutting opening, but the locking mechanism adds structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting opening protectionVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete elements: a locking element with engagement surfaces, slots in the housing, and corresponding features on the blade module. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in form while collectively providing robust locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex mechanical latch or bolt that requires multiple components, the patent uses an inverted approach where the locking is achieved through simple geometric interlocking of slots and engagement surfaces, eliminating the need for traditional complex locking hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8656595B2Cigar cutter

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 S T DUPONT SA

AI summary

Cigar cutter (1) includes a housing (2) that has a cutting opening (3), a first movable blade module (4), and a second movable blade module (5) relative to the housing between a closed configuration, in which the blades (19, 23) of the blade modules close the cutting opening, and an open configuration, in which the blades of the blade modules release the cutting opening, whereby a locking mechanism is able, in a locked state, to keep the blade modules within the closed configuration, and, in an unlocked state, to allow the blade modules to switch to the open configuration. The blade modules are able to move toward one another from the closed configuration to an actuation configuration, whereby the locking mechanism is able to switch from the locked state to the unlocked state and vice versa during the switching from the closed configuration to the actuation configuration.