Pen Lead Adjustment via Perpendicular Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pens with mechanically adjustable leads often require complex designs and numerous components, making them cumbersome and difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pen design featuring a shaft and lead that are axially adjustable between active and rest positions, utilizing a perpendicular actuating element connected via a rotatable connecting element, allowing the lead to move parallel to the shaft while the actuating element moves perpendicularly, reducing the need for complex components and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical adjustment mechanism is used, then the lead can be adjusted between active and rest positions, but the device becomes complex with numerous components
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two functional sections: a laterally movable actuating element and a rotatable connecting element. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific movement type, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliable lead adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the traditional longitudinal movement of the actuating element into lateral movement, while the connecting element transforms this lateral movement into rotational movement to advance the lead. This dimensional transformation simplifies the mechanical linkage and reduces component complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element moves longitudinally, then the lead can be advanced, but more space is required inside the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element moves laterally (perpendicular to the shaft axis) instead of longitudinally, and the connecting element converts this lateral movement into rotational movement. This dimensional change reduces the space required inside the shaft while maintaining effective lead advancement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the laterally moving actuating element and the lead. It transforms the lateral movement into rotational movement, enabling compact design while preserving the lead advancement function.
3Device complexity
If a simple actuation mechanism is used, then fewer components are required, but the lead adjustment may become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is rotatably mounted on the shaft, allowing it to dynamically adapt its orientation during operation. This rotational degree of freedom ensures reliable engagement and force transmission from the actuating element to the lead, maintaining adjustment reliability with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element serves as a simple yet effective intermediary that reliably transmits motion from the actuating element to the lead through rotational movement, achieving reliable lead adjustment without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
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
The design allows for reliable, repeatable, and simple adjustment of the lead between active and rest positions, providing a more compact and durable writing instrument with improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element is rotatably mounted on the shaft in a central section, a first end section of the connecting element is mounted on the actuating element and a second end section of the connecting element is mounted directly or indirectly on the lead
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pen (2) for writing and/or drawing purposes, comprising a shaft (4) and a lead (6) which is arranged within the shaft (4) and is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction (L) of the shaft (4) between an active position and a rest position, wherein the lead (6) is arranged completely within the shaft (4) in the rest position and protrudes from a front end of the shaft (4) with a projection (C) in the active position, and comprising an actuating element (10) movable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the shaft (4) between an active position and a rest position, which is operatively connected to the lead (6) via a connecting element (12) such that the lead (6) is axially adjustable in the longitudinal direction (L) of the shaft (4) when the actuating element (10) is moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the shaft (4) between the rest position and the active position.