Foldable Clip Extractor Blade for Compact Pocket Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip lifters are not foldable and difficult to carry, posing challenges in storage and handling, especially in a pocket, and can potentially tear or injure the user.
Innovation Solution
A foldable clip lifter with a handle and extractor blade that can be compactly stored in a compartment, featuring a rotatable axle and a latch mechanism for easy deployment and retraction, allowing for safe and convenient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clip lifter is made rigid and functional, then it can perform clip removal tasks effectively, but it cannot be folded or stored compactly in a pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The clip lifter incorporates a movable blade that can rotate between an extended working position and a retracted storage position. The blade is connected to the handle via a pivot point, allowing it to dynamically change orientation. A spring mechanism provides the restoring force to automatically return the blade to its stored position after use, enabling compact pocket storage while maintaining full functionality during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is designed to nest within or alongside the handle when in the retracted position. The channel formed by the blade's prongs aligns with the handle's compartment, allowing the blade to be stored within the overall轮廓 of the handle, creating a compact integrated form factor that fits in pockets.
2Volume of moving object
If the clip lifter is made foldable for compact storage, then it can be carried in a pocket safely, but the mechanism for deployment and retraction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically performs the work of returning the blade to its stored position without requiring user intervention. After the user extends the blade for use, simply releasing it allows the spring to automatically retract and secure the blade in its stored position, eliminating the need for manual folding operations or complex locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is extracted as a separate functional element that provides the retracting force independently. This allows the deployment action to be simple (user-initiated extension) while the retraction action is automated (spring-driven), simplifying the overall user interaction despite the internal mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If the clip lifter blade is extended for use, then it can effectively remove clips and trim, but it may tear pocket material or injure the user when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The blade's ability to dynamically transition between extended and retracted states ensures that the potentially harmful sharp edges are only exposed when needed for clip removal. When not in use, the blade automatically retracts to a safe position where it is protected within the handle's compartment, eliminating the risk of injury or pocket damage during storage and carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism continuously applies a retracting force to keep the blade in its safe, retracted position, counteracting any tendency for the blade to extend accidentally. This preliminary protective action prevents unintended exposure of the blade edge that could cause harm, while allowing intentional extension when the user needs to perform clip removal tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim and clip extractor tool includes a handle with a storage compartment and an axle to which an extractor blade is rotatably connected. The blade has a channel formed between prongs, and the extractor blade and its prongs are folded and stored in the compartment when not in use.