Self-Blocking Writing Instrument Barrel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing writing instruments face issues with the barrels separating unintentionally during use, leading to potential misalignment and functionality issues due to inadequate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking assembly system comprising an annular rib and groove mechanism, where the annular rib and groove cooperate through engagement, and deformation in the circumferential direction enhances locking, preventing unintentional separation by increasing the engagement between the rib and groove, and a slot with ramps that move apart to secure the barrels in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the two barrels are assembled by screwing or snapping ribs and grooves, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but the barrels can be separated relatively easily and unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes elastic deformation of the annular rib in the circumferential direction to achieve dynamic locking. The rib deforms during assembly to pass through the groove, then springs back to lock securely, providing both ease of assembly and reliable locking that prevents unintentional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the locking components by introducing elastic deformation capability. The annular rib is designed to deform elastically in the circumferential direction, transforming from a rigid structure to a flexible one that can dynamically lock, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Device complexity
If the locking device is designed with simple rib and groove engagement, then the device complexity is low, but the locking strength is insufficient to prevent separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastic deformation as a new parameter for the annular rib, allowing it to deform in the circumferential direction. This simple modification to the rib's physical behavior dramatically increases locking strength without adding complex mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while achieving reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular rib is designed with curved geometry that allows circumferential deformation. The curved shape enables the rib to flex during assembly and locking, providing enhanced locking strength through elastic recovery while maintaining a simple structural form factor.
3Reliability
If the annular rib is deformed in the circumferential direction to enhance locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the deactivation of the blocking device becomes relatively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device uses elastic deformation dynamics where the annular rib naturally springs back after deformation. This dynamic behavior provides strong locking during normal use but allows for controlled deactivation when sufficient force is applied, balancing reliability with operational ease through the material's inherent elastic properties.
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 self-locking assembly system effectively prevents unintentional separation of the barrels, ensuring stability and reliability during use by locking the first barrel relative to the second barrel, making it difficult to disassemble them accidentally.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device can be deformed in the circumferential direction by the locking device. The deformation in the circumferential direction of the blocking device makes the deactivation of the blocking device relatively difficult.
Implementation Method 2
The locking device may comprise at least one annular rib carried by the first barrel and at least one annular groove carried by the second barrel, or vice versa, the annular rib and the annular groove cooperating with each other by engagement.
Implementation Method 3
The two ramps can be configured to gradually move apart, in the circumferential direction, the longitudinal edges of the slot during the assembly of the first and second barrel.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B
AI summary
The invention relates to a writing instrument (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and comprising a circumferential direction (C) and a radial direction (R). The writing instrument (10) comprises a first barrel (12), a second barrel (14) and a self-blocking assembly system for assembling the first barrel (12) with the second barrel (14). The self-blocking assembly system comprises a blocking device for blocking the first barrel (12) with respect to the second barrel (14) in the longitudinal direction (L) and a locking device for locking the blocking device. The locking device comprises a slot (42) formed in the first barrel (12), and two ramps (48) carried by the second barrel (14), the slot (42) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and having two longitudinal edges (44) whereas the two ramps (48) are configured to part the longitudinal edges (44) of the slot (42) progressively in the circumferential direction (C) as the first and second barrels are being assembled. The writing instrument (10) comprises a window (50) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) formed between the two ramps (48) and a lateral button (20) housed at least partially in the window (50), the window (50) comprising guide surfaces (52) for guiding the lateral button (20).