One-Handed Pen Cap with Abutment Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering elements for manual-use articles, such as pens and beauty products, require the use of both hands for application and removal, making it difficult for users who are unable to use both hands effectively.
Innovation Solution
A covering element with a tapering and rounded design featuring abutment means, including protrusions and surfaces for ergonomic engagement, allowing single-handed operation through thrust actions for easy application and removal, and optionally a hooking tailpiece for garment attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional covering elements are used with screw-engagement means, then reliable engagement and protection are achieved, but two hands are required for application and release operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational engagement mechanism from the covering element, leaving only the linear engagement feature (abatement) on the article body. This separation allows the covering element to be applied and removed through simple linear thrust actions without requiring rotational manipulation or two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the covering element to rotate or be manipulated by two hands for engagement, the patent inverts the approach by having the article body provide a linear abatement feature that guides and enables single-handed thrust-based engagement and disengagement.
2Force
If covering elements require two-handed operation, then sufficient force can be applied, but users with limited hand dexterity cannot effectively use the article
Solution Approach 1:
The abatement feature on the article body automatically guides and enables the covering element to engage and disengage through simple linear thrust actions. The mechanism serves itself by using the article's own structure to provide the guiding and force-application pathway, eliminating the need for complex two-handed manipulation.
3Reliability
If screw-engagement means are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rotational screw-engagement mechanism and replaces it with a simple linear abatement feature on the article body. This extraction of the engagement function to a basic geometric feature dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the abatement's guiding and engaging properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A covering element (1) for manual-use articles such as pens, felt-tip pens, correction fluids and the like, comprises a case (3) adapted to receive a respective article (2) by insertion. The covering element (1) further comprises coupling means to ensure engagement of the covering element (1) with the respective article (2). Advantageously, the covering element is also provided with abutment means (5) associated with the case (3) to cause shifting of the covering element (1) between a coupled condition and a released condition, by effect of at least one manual action. The abutment means (5) consists of respective abutment surfaces (7, 9) protruding from the case (3) to enable a manual thrust to be exerted on the covering element (1).