Clip Mounting Structure for Writing Implement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clip mounting structures for writing implements are difficult to assemble and lack stability, as they require bending the flexible coupling portion away from the main body and struggle with pivot-limiting hooks passing under the cap wall, leading to instability during use.

Innovation Solution

A structure featuring lateral abutments on the main body and pivot stops on the receiving member, with pivot-limiting hooks formed by metal sheet tabs, a reinforcing transverse portion, and a flexible catch member to prevent movement and enhance stability, allowing easy assembly and secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the coupling portion is allowed to move freely against the wall of the cap, then assembly is easier, but stability of the coupling portion during use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstability of coupling portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving member is divided into distinct functional elements: the wall providing the opening, the abutment member positioned between sidewalls, lateral abutments on opposite sides, and pivot stops. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function - the opening allows insertion, the abutment member provides lateral retention, and pivot stops prevent excessive movement, achieving both ease of assembly and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the receiving member have different mechanical properties and functions. The wall provides a simple opening for easy insertion, while specific localized features (lateral abutments and pivot stops) provide constrained movement and stability. The abutment member itself has lateral surfaces for retention and a front surface for pivoting control, demonstrating local quality differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If pivot-limiting hooks are designed to pass under the cap wall, then the clip can be mounted, but assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment member is pre-positioned within the opening before the clip is assembled. This preliminary placement creates a guided path for the pivot-limiting hooks, allowing them to pass underneath the cap wall more easily during assembly, reducing the complexity of the assembly process while maintaining the mounting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If lateral abutments are added to prevent movement perpendicular to the pivot plane, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of clip mountingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment member combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides lateral abutments on opposite sides to prevent movement perpendicular to the pivot plane, and simultaneously provides a front surface that acts as a pivot stop. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed, achieving enhanced stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The abutment member serves multiple purposes: it acts as a lateral retention structure with abutments on both sides, provides a pivot stop surface, and works together with the opening in the wall to guide and secure the clip. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple stability requirements without adding numerous separate elements.

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

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

Facilitates stable and easy clip mounting by providing lateral retention and preventing movement, enhancing the stability of the coupling portion within the pivot plane and along the reference axis, ensuring the clip remains securely attached.

Implementation Method 1

a resiliently deformable curved portion connecting the main body to the coupling portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the abutment member is arranged between the two sidewalls of the main body of the clip and in addition has two lateral abutments adapted to prevent movement of the main body perpendicularly to the pivot plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the receiving member comprising at least one pivot stop adapted to cooperate with the pivot-limiting hook to limit the pivoting of the main body of the clip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9662927B2Structure for mounting a clip for a writing implement
Publication Date: 2017.05.30 SOCIETE BIC SA
  • US9662927B2 patent drawing
  • US9662927B2 patent drawing
  • US9662927B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A structure for mounting a clip for a writing implement that includes (i) a pivotable clip which includes a stationary coupling portion extending along a reference axis; a main body that is pivotable in a pivot plane containing the reference axis, having two sidewalls each comprising a pivot-limiting hook; and a resiliently deformable curved portion connecting the main body to the coupling portion, enabling the main body to pivot relative to the coupling portion; (ii) a receiving member for receiving the coupling portion of the clip.