Corrugated Shank Surface for Writing Utensils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing writing, drawing, and cosmetic devices with touch-sensitive surfaces fail to create visually recognizable, raised structures that enhance haptic properties without interrupting the manufacturing process or affecting primary properties like sharpenability and erasability, and often result in structures that wear out easily.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using corrugation to form a deformable material layer on the shaft element during extrusion, creating a one-piece, raised surface that is both haptic and non-slip, without requiring additional processing steps or energy-intensive methods like laser heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aqueous plastic dispersion is applied to create nubs for improved ergonomics, then haptic properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to separate application step and hardening requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic surface structure integration directly into the extrusion process, merging the shaft element formation and haptic surface creation into a single continuous manufacturing step. This eliminates the separate application and hardening steps required by aqueous plastic dispersion methods, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining improved haptic properties.
2Ease of operation
If aqueous plastic dispersion is applied to create nubs, then ergonomic advantages are improved, but production continuity is disrupted due to hardening requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic surface structure is integrated into the extrusion process itself, allowing continuous production without interruption for separate application and hardening steps. The shaft element with haptic surface is formed in one continuous operation, maintaining production continuity while delivering ergonomic advantages.
3Ease of operation
If applied nubs are used to improve ergonomics, then haptic properties are improved, but durability decreases due to easy wear
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic surface structure is formed as an integral part of the shaft element through the extrusion process, creating a one-piece construction. This eliminates the interface between applied nubs and the shaft, preventing wear at the boundary and significantly improving durability while maintaining haptic properties.
4Shape
If laser heating is used to create surface structures, then raised structures are formed, but energy consumption increases and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser heating method with a mechanical extrusion process to create raised structures. The haptic surface is formed through the mechanical action of the extrusion die and cooling system, eliminating the need for high-energy laser heating while achieving the desired raised structures.
5Shape
If laser heating is used to create surface structures, then raised structures are formed, but manufacturing complexity increases due to individual structure control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex laser control system with a simpler mechanical extrusion process. The raised structures are formed by the geometry of the extrusion die and cooling system, eliminating the need for individual structure control and programming associated with laser methods.
6Ease of operation
If embossing is used to apply surface structure, then non-slip surface is created, but visual recognition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating raised structures with different heights and densities in different zones of the shaft element. The haptic surface features vary locally to provide both non-slip properties and visual recognition, with taller structures providing tactile feedback and visual contrast while maintaining grip.
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
This approach allows for the production of devices with improved haptic properties and a visually recognizable surface that maintains the primary properties of the device, such as sharpenability and erasability, while ensuring the structures are integrated and durable, enhancing user comfort and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The strand of plastic is pressed into the cavities of the mold blocks. This can be achieved or supported, for example, by vacuum.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Writing, drawing, marking and/or painting utensil or cosmetics implement or input device for contact-sensitive surfaces, wherein the utensil/implement/device comprises at least one shank element made of plastics material or a plastics-containing wood substitute, characterized in that the at least one shank element has a surface, or in that the at least one shank element has a surface which is sheathed in a material layer having a cover surface, in that the surface of the shank element or the cover surface of the material layer is in the form of a haptic and/or non-slip layer, in that the haptic and/or non-slip layer has a structure, in that the structure is formed in one piece with the shank element and/or the material layer, and in that the structure is formed by corrugation.