Assisted-Opening Compact Utensil With Dual-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a compact utensil that can easily open to provide both writing and light or eraser functions, with a mechanism to securely lock in both closed and open positions.
Innovation Solution
A compact utensil with an assisted opening hinge, utilizing a torsion or compression spring mechanism, which pivots utility components from a closed to an open in-line position, and an actuated locking device using a slotted hollow axle and release pin to securely lock the utensil in both positions, allowing for interchangeable components like an LED light, laser pointer, or eraser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the utensil is designed to fold into a compact form, then the portability and storage convenience are improved, but the ease of opening operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded in the locking device to automatically perform the opening action when the lock is released. The spring is compressed during closing and stores energy, which is then released to pivot the components open without requiring manual effort from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The assisted opening hinge uses a spring mechanism that automatically opens the folded components when the locking device is actuated. The spring provides the force needed to transition from closed to open position, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring continuous manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the utensil includes multiple utility components (writing, light, eraser), then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple utility components (writing component, light component, eraser component) are merged into a single integrated utensil body. The components are arranged along a common axis and connected through the assisted opening hinge, allowing them to function together in a unified structure rather than as separate items.
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil is designed as a multi-functional device where a single object provides writing, lighting, and erasing capabilities. The first utility component can be a writing instrument while the second component provides additional functions such as LED light or eraser, making the device universal for multiple tasks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking device securely holds the utensil in closed position, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of opening operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary between the locking device and the utility components. When the release pin is actuated, the spring mediates the transition by providing the force to pivot the components open, bridging the gap between the locked closed state and the open state without requiring direct manual manipulation of the components themselves.
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
The utensil efficiently transitions between compact and open positions, ensuring secure locking and easy operation, enabling versatile use with various utility components such as writing tools, lights, or erasers, while maintaining a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
the assisted opening hinge is a torsion spring, which when actuated, is constructed and arranged to pivot the first and second utility components from a folded closed position to an open in-line position
Implementation Method 2
a slotted hollow axle which contains a compression spring which normally forces a release pin lock into a first indent to lock the utensil in the folded closed position
Implementation Method 3
when the utensil is in the in-line position, the compression spring moves the release pin lock back into a second indent to lock the utensil into the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A compact utensil which has two utility components connected by an assisted opening hinge.