Compact Writing Instrument With Steep Threads And Keyring Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional writing instruments lack a secure and compact design that allows easy extension and retraction of the writing element for improved usability and storage, particularly when secured to thick objects like keyrings or pockets.
Innovation Solution
A compact writing instrument design featuring a barrel and cap with complementary engagement features, including special steep threads and a clip that enables quick assembly and disassembly, allowing the writing element to be extended and retracted for use and securely stored by attaching to objects such as keyrings or pockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the writing instrument is designed to be compact for storage, then the storage convenience is improved, but the usability during writing is worsened due to limited writing element extension
Solution Approach 1:
The writing instrument is divided into separate components: a barrel containing the writing element, a cap for protection, and a keyring for attachment. This segmentation allows the writing element to be extended from the barrel when needed while maintaining a compact stored configuration, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and writing usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The writing element is designed to be dynamically extendable from the barrel and retractable when not in use. This dynamic capability allows the instrument to transition between a compact stored state and an extended writing state, simultaneously achieving both compactness for storage and ease of operation during writing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the writing instrument includes a clip for securing to thick objects, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed with a universal configuration that enables it to secure the writing instrument to various thick objects including keyrings, pants pockets, and other surfaces. This multi-functional design provides adaptability across different attachment scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.
3Reliability
If the cap engagement features use threads for secure connection, then the reliability of assembly is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap engagement features utilize threads with specific parameter optimizations, including special steep thread angles and appropriate pitch dimensions. These parameter changes enable reliable engagement and disengagement of the cap with the barrel while simplifying the manufacturing process through optimized thread geometry that requires less precise machining compared to conventional threads.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact writing instrument includes a barrel and a cap. A majority of a length of the barrel and a writing element carried thereby may be received by the cap when the barrel and the cap are placed in a stored position, providing a compact stored arrangement. The cap may be secured to the barrel in a writing arrangement that extends a length of the writing instrument significantly; for example, to a conventional writing instrument length. Engagement features of the cap and barrel may include steep threads that enable the cap to be assembled with and disassembled from the barrel with one rotation (360°) or less. A clip on the cap may include a closed end that defines a receptacle, with the closed end and receptacle extending beyond a corresponding end of the cap. In addition, the closed end and receptacle may extend partially over the corresponding end of the cap.