Multicolor Writing Tool with Integrated Cap and Actuator

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multicolor writing tools using volatile marking substances require separate cap management, leading to inconvenience and reduced tool lifespan due to evaporation, as they necessitate manual cap removal and replacement, and often require multiple tools for different colors.

Innovation Solution

A multicolor writing tool design incorporating a case member, cartridge member, and actuator member that automatically exposes and encloses tips without the need for removable caps, using input force to actuate the cap member and cartridge movement, minimizing evaporation and allowing multiple cartridges with different substances to be used from a single tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If separate caps are used to prevent evaporation of volatile marking substances, then the marking substances are protected from evaporation, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must manually remove and replace caps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaporation of marking substancesVSAvoidmanual cap removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cap function with the cartridge assembly, creating an integrated unit where the cap is no longer a separate component but is instead merged into the cartridge structure. This integration allows the cap to automatically cover the tip when the cartridge is inserted into the writing tool, eliminating the need for separate cap handling while maintaining protection against evaporation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge assembly with integrated cap performs self-service by automatically positioning itself and its cap within the writing tool housing. The cartridge's own structure and movement within the tool automatically engage the cap in the protective position, eliminating the need for users to manually operate separate caps while maintaining protection against evaporation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate writing tools are used for different colors, then each color can be used effectively, but the device complexity increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple color capabilityVSAvoidnumber of separate tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal writing tool that can perform multiple functions by accepting different cartridge assemblies containing various marking substances. The single writing tool housing is designed to accommodate multiple cartridge types, allowing one tool to replace multiple single-color tools while maintaining effective performance for each color function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the color-specific marking substance storage into separate cartridge assemblies that can be independently replaced, while maintaining a single universal writing tool housing. This segmentation allows users to have multiple color options without requiring multiple complete tools, reducing overall device complexity and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If caps are provided as separate articles, then they can be easily manufactured and replaced, but the reliability deteriorates because caps may be lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap production and replacementVSAvoidcap retention and availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the cap into the cartridge assembly as an integrated component, the patent eliminates the problem of separate cap retention. The cap becomes an inseparable part of the cartridge that moves together as one unit, ensuring it cannot be lost or misplaced while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular cartridge production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If manual cap management is required, then simple cap design is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to repeated cap removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap structure simplicityVSAvoidtime for cap removal and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9254706B2Multicolor writing tools and methods

Publication Date: 2016.02.09 SHIM YOUNGTACK

AI summary

Various multicolor writing tools and methods for applying multiple volatile marking substances one at a time. The tool includes a case member, a cartridge member, a cap member, and an optional actuator member. The case member forms an interior in which is disposed the cartridge member with multiple cartridges each containing one of the marking substances and a tip through which the marking substance is applied. The cap member changes and restores its configuration, while the actuator member changes the configuration and exposes one of the tips selected by an user out of the interior when the tool is in use, and then restores the configuration and encloses all of the tips inside the interior when not in use. Thus, the tool opens the cap member in response to input force without requiring the user to engage in a separate maneuver to remove the cap member.