Plug-in Coupling Mechanism for Handheld Writing Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld implements with plug-in couplings are not suitable for small devices, such as writing instruments, as they are not lightweight or space-saving, and do not allow easy and resilient connection of shaft parts for different functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plug-in coupling system where each coupling unit has a slide with a latching fork and a guide sleeve guided by a spring- or rubber-elastic restoring element, allowing firm connection of shaft parts with a latching mechanism that is lightweight and space-efficient, even in small devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug-in couplings are used in handheld implements, then the connection between shaft parts is achieved, but the implement becomes heavy and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into separate functional components: a guide sleeve that guides the slide, a slide with latching fork that engages with the other shaft part, and a restoring element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure lightweight and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide is nested within the guide sleeve, with the guide sleeve enclosing the slide and being guided movably in the guide hole. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required for the coupling mechanism while maintaining its functionality, making it suitable for small handheld implements.
2Reliability
If conventional plug-in couplings are used in handheld implements, then the connection between shaft parts is achieved, but the implement size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide is nested within the guide sleeve, with the guide sleeve enclosing the slide and being guided movably in the guide hole. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required for the coupling mechanism while maintaining its functionality, making it suitable for small handheld implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeve is designed to be movable within the guide hole, allowing it to be pushed back during the coupling process and then return to its original position via the restoring element. This dynamic behavior enables the coupling mechanism to achieve reliable connection while occupying minimal space in its resting state.
3Reliability
If a latching mechanism is implemented for firm connection, then connection reliability improves, but the coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching fork and restoring element are integrated into a single slide component, which is then nested within the guide sleeve. This merging of functions into unified components reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall coupling mechanism while maintaining reliable latching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoring element automatically returns the guide sleeve to its original position after being pushed back during coupling, and the latching fork automatically engages with the complementary shaft part. This self-service behavior eliminates the need for additional actuating mechanisms, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
4Stability of the object's composition
If guide sleeves are added to enclose slides, then connection stability improves, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sleeve serves multiple functions: it guides the movable slide, encloses and protects the latching mechanism, and works with the restoring element to ensure proper positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining stability while minimizing complexity.
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 easy and resilient connection of shaft parts with a firm hold, reducing the risk of unintentional injuries and facilitating the use of different nibs for various writing functions, such as ink erasers and markers, while being adaptable to non-round cross-sections and providing a smooth movement mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a guide sleeve that encloses the slide and is guided movably in the guide hole counter to the restoring force of a spring- or rubber-elastic restoring element
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld implement having a shaft with two shaft parts which are releasably connectable together via a plug-in coupling, with a coupling unit at each front end of the shaft parts. Each coupling unit has a slide held in a guide hole open on a face side in the associated shaft part and protrudes beyond the guide hole with a slide portion, the free end of which is formed as a latching fork that has a latching opening. The slide portion bears a latching protrusion behind the latching fork in the sliding direction. The coupling unit has a guide sleeve that encloses the slide and is guided into the guide hole counter to a restoring force, and when the front ends, having the coupling units, of the shaft parts are pressed together, the latching fork of one coupling unit is latchable on the latching protrusion of the other coupling unit.