Power Tool Integral Pencil Sharpener Motor Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carpenter pencils are typically manually sharpened, as they do not fit into mechanical sharpeners and manual methods can be hazardous and fail to produce a finely shaped tapered point, while existing powered solutions require separate attachments to power tools.
Innovation Solution
A power tool, such as a cordless drill, is designed with an integral pencil sharpener within its housing, where the sharpening mechanism is operatively connected to the motor, allowing for safe and efficient sharpening of carpenter pencils without the need for additional attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual sharpening methods are used, then carpenter pencils can be sharpened, but the process is hazardous and fails to produce a finely shaped tapered point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sharpening with an automated powered sharpening system. A motor-driven rotating sharpening element automatically sharpens the pencil when the trigger is activated, eliminating the need for manual knife work and producing a consistent tapered point without safety hazards associated with manual sharpening.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharpening system is designed to be self-operating once activated. When the user pulls the trigger, the motor automatically engages and the sharpening element rotates to sharpen the pencil without requiring further manual intervention, making the process safe and consistent.
2Extent of automation
If a separate powered pencil sharpener attachment is used, then automated sharpening is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires additional attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pencil sharpener functionality directly into the power tool housing. The motor that powers the tool is also used to power the sharpening element, and the sharpening mechanism is integrated within the existing tool structure, eliminating the need for separate attachments while maintaining automated sharpening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a drilling/cutting tool and as a pencil sharpener. The single motor and integrated design allow the tool to perform multiple functions without requiring additional attachments, reducing device complexity while maintaining automation.
3Ease of operation
If an integral pencil sharpener is integrated into the power tool, then device complexity is reduced and convenience is improved, but the housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sharpener is designed as a separate functional module within the tool housing, with its own designated opening and operational mechanism. This modular segmentation allows the sharpener to be integrated without completely redesigning the entire housing structure, maintaining ease of operation while managing design complexity through functional separation.
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 integration of a pencil sharpener into a power tool provides a safe, efficient, and convenient method for sharpening carpenter pencils, enhancing user safety and productivity by eliminating the need for separate sharpening devices and ensuring precise sharpening.
Implementation Method 1
a motor contained within the housing... operation of the motor drives the sharpening device
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of the present invention, a power tool includes a housing having a first opening formed therein with a motor being contained within the housing. The tool includes a device for sharpening a writing implement. The sharpening device is at least partially contained within the housing and accessible through the first opening which permits the writing implement to be inserted into the sharpening device. The sharpening device is operatively connected to the motor such that operation of the motor drives the sharpening device.