Marking Tool Pin Exchange Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking tools require dismantling of the tool head to exchange marking pins, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

Designing the marking pin and tool head to allow for easy removal and insertion without dismantling the tool head, using a guide bushing and anti-twist device for secure positioning, and employing a holding device with magnetic or frictional locking mechanisms for quick pin exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the marking pin is designed with an undercut in the form of a shoulder, then the marking pin cannot be removed from the receiving space through the outlet opening, but the tool head must be unscrewed from its housing to remove the marking pin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of marking pinVSAvoidreplacement of marking pin
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving space is divided into two functional zones: an inlet opening for insertion and an outlet opening for removal. The marking pin is designed with a shoulder that engages with a corresponding recess in the receiving space, creating a segmented locking mechanism that allows easy removal without disassembling the tool head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the tool head to be unscrewed for removal, the design inverts the approach by providing a direct removal path through the outlet opening. The shoulder-recess engagement allows the marking pin to be pulled out through the outlet opening in the inserted state, eliminating the need to disassemble the tool head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the marking pin can be removed through the outlet opening without dismantling the tool head, then the replacement process becomes simple and quick, but the marking pin must be designed without undercuts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement of marking pinVSAvoidsecuring of marking pin
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving space is pre-configured with a recess that corresponds to the shoulder on the marking pin. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the marking pin is inserted, the shoulder automatically engages with the recess, providing secure retention while allowing easy removal through the outlet opening without requiring disassembly of the tool head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the marking pin is held on the holding device by magnetic attraction, then the marking pin can be securely held during operation, but the marking pin must be made of magnetizable material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding of marking pinVSAvoidmaterial selection for marking pin
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical holding system is replaced with a magnetic holding system. The holding device incorporates a magnetic element that attracts and holds the marking pin through magnetic force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical retaining structures. This allows the marking pin to be securely held during operation while maintaining ease of removal through the outlet opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid and effortless replacement of marking pins, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for auxiliary tools during normal operation.

Implementation Method 1

the marking pin is held on the holding device by magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The marking tool includes a spring device that biases the marking pin to a rest position relative to the tool head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The marking pin is preferably guided in a displaceable manner relative to the tool head, in particular by means of a guide bushing arranged on the tool head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2937225B1Marking tool and method for replacing a marking pen of a marking tool
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ANDREAS MAIER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2937225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2937225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2937225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to create a marking tool for producing a marking on a workpiece, comprising a marking pin and a tool head with a receiving chamber in which a part of the marking pin is received, wherein the receiving chamber opens at an exit opening through which the marking pin extends into the outer space of the tool head, in which the marking pin is easily and quickly replaceable with another marking pin, it is proposed that the marking pin and the tool head are designed such that a part of the marking pin can be removed from the receiving chamber of the tool head through the exit opening and/or inserted into the receiving chamber of the tool head through the exit opening.