Reverse Clip Cap for One-Handed Marker Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Craftsmen face difficulties in removing the cap of markers and pens with one hand, often requiring them to put down their tools or risk injury by using their teeth, as conventional caps dislodge from tool belts or pouches when trying to remove them with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A reverse clip cap design with a semi-tubular cap extension and a gripping member, such as barbs or a cantilever structure, allows one-handed removal and replacement by directing the force away from the open end, keeping the cap attached to the tool belt or pouch, and includes a tubular channel to protect the marker tip from drying out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional clip cap design is used, then the cap can be securely attached to a tool belt or pouch, but the cap cannot be removed with one hand as it dislodges from the attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is inverted so that it opens toward the closed end of the cap instead of the open end. This reversal allows the cap to remain attached to the tool belt or pouch while enabling one-handed removal, as the force applied during removal is directed toward the closed end where the clip is anchored rather than away from it as in conventional designs
2Ease of operation
If the clip opens toward the open end of the cap, then the cap can be easily opened, but the cap dislodges from the tool belt or pouch during one-handed removal
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the clip orientation to open toward the closed end, the design maintains attachment security while still allowing easy opening. The clip's anchoring at the closed end provides a stable base that prevents dislodging during removal operations
3Ease of operation
If the marker tip is exposed to ambient air, then the marker can be easily accessed, but the marker tip dries out
Solution Approach 1:
The marker tip is nested within a tubular channel that extends into the cap's enclosed end. This nested structure protects the marker tip from ambient air exposure when the marker is stored in the cap, preventing drying out while maintaining easy accessibility when the marker is removed for use
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 single-handed operation of removing and replacing the marker without dislodging the cap from its attachment, ensuring secure retention and protecting the marker tip from air exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The cantilever structure is a flexible member that applies a biasing force to the attachment material in a direction toward the holding prong
Data Source
AI summary
A removable cap for receiving a writing implement includes a reverse clip. The cap has a hollow crown section for receiving the writing implement and an elongate cap extension that extends axially from the hollow crown section and includes an end that terminates in a clip flange. An elongate holding prong projecting substantially perpendicular from the clip flange and extending and opening toward the closed first end of the crown section in substantially parallel-spaced relation to the cap extension so as to define in conjunction with the cap extension and the hollow crown section, an elongate U-shaped slot, which is adapted to snugly engage an attachment material inserted into the slot. A gripping member is located within the U-shaped slot and is configured to intimately engage the attachment material inserted into the slot to assist in maintaining the engagement between the cap and attachment material when the writing implement is removed from the cap.