Disposable Latex Pouch for Pencil Sharpener Shaving Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pencil sharpeners lack a solution to contain and dispose of pencil shavings neatly, leading to mess and inconvenience, especially when carried in portable cases or bags.

Innovation Solution

A removable, disposable pouch made from natural latex or latex-free materials is attached to standard or cosmetic pencil sharpeners using a stretch band, securing the pouch and containing the shavings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pencil shavings are contained in a reusable container, then the sharpener can be carried in portable cases, but the container may break open and spill shavings contents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer integrityVSAvoidshaving spillage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a disposable pouch made from biodegradable materials that replaces the traditional reusable container. The pouch is designed to be discarded after use, eliminating the risk of breakage and spillage associated with reusable containers. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing container longevity for improved reliability and harm prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible pouch made from biodegradable materials that conforms to the sharpener's shape while providing protection. The flexible nature of the pouch allows it to withstand handling and transport without breaking, while still containing shavings effectively. This resolves the contradiction by using a flexible containment structure that is both protective and durable during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If a disposable pouch is attached to the sharpener, then shaving disposal mess is eliminated, but the sharpener structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaving disposal convenienceVSAvoidsharpener structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sharpener system into two separate components: the original sharpener body and the disposable pouch. This segmentation allows the pouch to be attached and removed independently, simplifying the overall structure while providing the convenience of easy disposal. The pouch can be quickly attached and detached without affecting the sharpener's primary function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a stretch band as an intermediary component that attaches the pouch to the sharpener. The stretch band provides a simple, reliable connection mechanism that does not require complex fastening systems. This intermediary element resolves the contradiction by providing easy attachment and detachment while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a pouch is attached to accommodate all sharpener sizes, then versatility is improved, but the attaching mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesharpener size compatibilityVSAvoidattaching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the pouch and attachment mechanism to be universal, accommodating various sharpener sizes and types. The pouch is made to fit different configurations while the stretch band provides a standardized attachment method that works across all sizes. This universality resolves the contradiction by providing broad compatibility without requiring size-specific attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a stretch band with adjustable elasticity to accommodate different sharpener dimensions. By changing the physical parameters of the attachment mechanism (stretchability, flexibility), the same pouch can adapt to various sharpener sizes. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing versatility through material properties rather than complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively prevents spilling and mess by containing pencil shavings within the pouch, allowing the sharpener to be carried safely in various settings without breaking open, enhancing usability in school, art classes, and daily activities.

Implementation Method 1

a 0.625′′-0.75′′ wide stretch band is stretched over the top edge of the pouch securing the pouch to the pencil sharpener

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9505551B2Cangaroo sharpener with disposable pouch

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 ELLIOT CHERIE ANN

AI summary

The product of invention is to attach a removable, disposable pouch to pencil sharpeners. Each pouch is stretched over the body of a pencil sharpener to catch pencil shavings.A stretch band is placed over the pouch at the top edge of the pouch and sharpener to secure pouch and show product branding.When the pouch is full of shavings the pouch is removed and disposed of. A new pouch is then attached to the pencil sharpener. Pouches will be offered in a variety of designs and colors.