Pivoting Blade Cigar Tool with Spring Bias and Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cigar tools, such as scissors-type and guillotine-type cutters, are impractical for thicker or blunt cigars, and users often have to share tools for different sizes and shapes, lacking additional functionality beyond cap removal.
Innovation Solution
A cigar tool with pivotally connected blades that can switch between a closed, cutter, and deployed position, incorporating a spring bias and actuator for precise cutting and a recessed punch for thicker cigars, also serving as a knife.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scissors-type or guillotine-type cigar cutters are used, then cap removal is effective for standard cigars, but the tool becomes impractical for thicker or blunt cigars
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a retracted position (for safety and compactness) and an extended cutting position. This dynamic configuration enables the same tool to effectively handle various cigar sizes and shapes, including thicker or blunt cigars that would be difficult to cut with traditional fixed-blade cutters
Solution Approach 2:
The cigar tool combines multiple functions in a single device: it can punch holes in cigar caps, cut cigars, and serve as a knife. This multi-functionality increases adaptability to different cigar types and user needs, making one tool sufficient for various cutting and preparation tasks across different cigar sizes and shapes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are provided for different cigar types, then functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity and portability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges punching, cutting, and knife functions into a single integrated cigar tool. The blade can be positioned and configured to perform different operations, eliminating the need for users to carry multiple separate tools for different cigar types and tasks
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the tool to perform multiple functions (punching, cutting, knife) in one device, the invention reduces the total number of tools needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality for various cigar types, thereby reducing device complexity and improving portability
3Ease of operation
If the cutting edge is always exposed for quick access, then ease of operation improves, but safety decreases due to exposed sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically positioned between a retracted safe state and an extended operational state. This allows the cutting edge to be exposed only when needed for cutting, while remaining hidden when not in use, thus balancing safety with ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blade mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the sharp cutting edge. The blade can be controlled to extend only when the user intentionally activates the cutting function, providing a safety buffer that prevents accidental contact with the sharp edge while maintaining quick access when needed
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 tool provides precise cutting and punch functionality for various cigar sizes and shapes, enhancing user convenience and versatility while maintaining safety by hiding exposed edges.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is operably engaged with each blade to bias the cutting edge of each blade out of the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A cigar tool includes a casing with a hole through the casing that defines a perimeter. A pair of blades are pivotally connected to the casing, and each blade has a cutting edge. The pair of blades has a closed position in which the pair of blades overlap one another within the perimeter, a cutter position in which the pair of blades are separated from one another, outside the perimeter, and the cutting edges are within the casing, and a deployed position in which the cutting edge of one blade is outside the casing. A spring is operably engaged with each blade to bias the cutting edge of each blade out of the casing. An actuator extends through at least a portion of the casing and has a hold position that prevents movement of the pair of blades with respect to the casing and a release position that permits movement of the pair of blades with respect to the casing.