Retractable Dual-Spike Cigar Pick for Stable Cigar Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cigar holders with sharpened tips are impractical due to their tendency to cause cigars to rotate, are prohibited in checked baggage, and are cumbersome to carry, limiting their usability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cigar pick device with a biased penetration tool featuring a pair of elongated spikes and a compression spring mechanism, allowing for controlled cigar grasping and safe storage, including a magnet for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single sharpened spike is used to pierce the cigar, then the device can grasp the cigar, but the cigar tends to rotate about the central axis and fall off easily
Solution Approach 1:
The single spike is divided into a pair of spaced-apart spikes. This segmentation provides two separate piercing points on the cigar, creating a more stable grasp that prevents rotation about the central axis. The dual-spike configuration distributes the grasping force and anchors the cigar more securely.
2Reliability
If a large-sized penetration device is used to grasp the cigar, then the cigar can be held securely, but the device becomes impractical to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration tool with the pair of spikes is designed to be retractable and nestable within the handle body. When not in use, the spikes retract into the handle, reducing the overall device size to a compact form factor that is practical for carrying while maintaining secure cigar holding capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static large-sized structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The spikes can extend outward when needed for grasping and retract inward for compact storage, allowing the device to adapt its size based on operational requirements versus portability needs.
3Device complexity
If a fixed penetration tool is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be safely stored and is prohibited in baggage
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration tool is made dynamic through the compression spring mechanism, allowing it to retract into the handle when not in use. This transforms the device from a permanently exposed sharp object (weapon-like) to a compact tool with concealed spikes, eliminating the harmful factor of easy accessibility to sharp points while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful aspect (exposed sharp spikes) is extracted from the permanent structure and made conditional. The spikes are removed from constant exposure and only appear when needed for operation, separating the functional need for sharp points from the safety concern of permanently exposed sharp objects.
4Ease of operation
If the penetration tool is always extended, then the cigar can be easily pierced, but the device occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration tool transitions from a permanently extended state to a dynamically controllable state. The compression spring allows the tool to remain retracted (compact) until activation, at which point it extends for easy cigar piercing, then automatically retracts or can be manually retracted to minimize volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring is pre-loaded to automatically extend the penetration tool when needed and retract it when the activating force is removed. This preliminary mechanical action ensures the tool is ready for immediate use while automatically returning to a compact state, eliminating the need for manual extension and retraction operations.
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
Enables secure and efficient smoking of cigars without burning fingers, while being compact and compliant with travel regulations, ensuring complete cigar consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The tool can be biased by a compression spring located within the main body and the tool can transition between an extended position and a retracted by a knob
Implementation Method 2
One embodiment of the present invention can include a magnet that is positioned along the bottom end of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable cigar pick device includes a main body having an internally located penetration tool with a pair of elongated spikes along a top end. The tool is biased by a compression spring located within the main body the tool is transitioned between an extended position and a retracted by a knob that extends from the tool through a side opening in the main body. A magnet is positioned along the bottom end of the main body, and the elongated spikes are constructed from a heat-resistant metal.