Double Fulcrum Corkscrew Lever Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lever corkscrews with double points of support face issues such as non-retractable notches, uncontrolled lever movement, and difficulty in deploying and folding the integrated blade, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A corkscrew design featuring two separate levers articulated in a clevis on the same axis, where the first lever's second part is preformed to retract inside the second lever without a spring, and a folding blade mechanism that deploys and folds with the levers, eliminating the need for a spring and simplifying operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lever with two preformed notches is used, then the corkscrew structure is simple, but the first notch becomes non-retractable and obstructs the passage to the second notch
Solution Approach 1:
The single lever is divided into two separate levers, each with its own notch. The first lever contains the first notch and can be retracted, while the second lever contains the second notch. This segmentation allows the first lever to be pulled back after use, clearing the path for the second lever to engage properly with the bottle neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lever is designed to nest within or alongside the second lever when not in use. This nesting arrangement allows the retracted first lever to occupy minimal space while maintaining access to the bottle neck area when needed, and automatically clears the path for the second lever during the two-stage extraction process.
2Ease of operation
If two separate levers with a spring mechanism are used to make the first lever retractable, then the notch transition is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead of using elastic force to retract the first lever, the invention relies on the geometric arrangement and manual manipulation of the levers. The user simply pulls the first lever back after use, and its retraction is facilitated by the clevis articulation and lever geometry rather than active mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever system is designed to be manually operated without auxiliary mechanical assistance. The user directly controls the retraction and deployment of both levers through simple hand movements, eliminating the need for springs, motors, or other automated mechanisms. The clevis articulation provides natural movement guidance without requiring additional power sources.
3Volume of moving object
If the folding blade is articulated on the same axis as the levers, then the handle structure is compact, but the deployment and folding operations become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blade articulation is designed with an asymmetric geometry that provides mechanical advantage during deployment. The blade pivot point and engagement features are positioned to create leverage, making it easier for the user to deploy and fold the blade despite the compact handle configuration. The asymmetric design allows smooth operation without requiring excessive force or complex manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a corkscrew (T) including a handle (100) to which are connected a worm (200) and two separate levers (300, 400) pivotably connected in a case on a single pin (A) secured to the handle and preformed to provide the two notches or two fulcra (310, 410) that are required in order to extract a cork (B) inserted in the neck (G) of a bottle, in two steps. Said corkscrew is characterized in that the two levers include two portions, the second portion (330) of the first lever (300) being preformed such as to be inserted in the second portion (430) of the second lever (400) and create a fulcrum on the neck (G) of the bottle when the corkscrew (T) passes from the first notch (310) to the second notch (410) such that said first notch (310) does not project in relation to the second notch (410) and said first notch (310) does not prevent said passing. The invention also relates to the method for using the corkscrew described above. The invention is useful for manufacturing corkscrews.