Stapler Leg-Flatting Mechanism Reduces Operating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional staplers with leg-flatting devices require high force to operate, have complex structures leading to high manufacturing costs, and are unstable when refilling staples, often causing them to tip over.
Innovation Solution
A stapler design featuring a supporting base, magazine assembly, trigger assembly, auxiliary lever, and leg-flatting device with a sliding base and anvil element, where the trigger lever is pivoted at a single fulcrum, allowing efficient force transmission and stable refilling without tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional leg-flatting device with a V-shaped driving element connected to the front end of the trigger lever is used, then the leg flattening function is achieved, but a large force is needed to operate the stapler
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the trigger lever and the leg-flatting device. This sliding element transfers the triggering force more efficiently to the leg-flatting mechanism, reducing the operational force required while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the trigger lever, the sliding element, and the leg-flatting device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving force transmission efficiency
2Ease of operation
If a sliding element is used to connect the trigger lever and leg-flatting device, then force transmission is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing becomes trouble and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Its straightforward geometry allows for cost-effective production and simple assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element is extracted as a separate, standalone component with a dedicated function. This extraction simplifies the overall design by isolating the force transmission function to a single, easy-to-manufacture part
3Ease of operation
If the trigger lever is pivoted to a large angle to open the staple magazine for refilling, then the magazine can be accessed, but the stapler easily turns over
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is designed with a preliminary opening mechanism that allows access without requiring large trigger lever rotation. The magazine can be opened to a sufficient degree for refilling before the trigger lever reaches positions that would cause instability
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates the stability problem and prevents it by limiting the trigger lever's rotation range. The magazine opening function is achieved within a safe angular range that maintains stapler stability
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 design simplifies the structure, reduces the force required to operate, and maintains stability during refilling, making the stapler labor-saving and cost-effective with efficient leg flattening capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
anvil element corresponds to the staple driving tab and bends legs of the staple flatly when the trigger lever is moved downward
Implementation Method 2
sliding base is slidably mounted on the supporting base
Data Source
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AI summary
A stapler has a supporting base (10), a magazine assembly (20), a trigger assembly (30) and a leg-flatting device (40). The trigger assembly (30) has a trigger lever (31) and a pushing element (36). The pushing element (36) has two pushing arms (361) extending toward the supporting base (10). The leg-flatting device (40) is mounted on the supporting base (10) and has a sliding base (41), a moving base (43) and an anvil element (45). The sliding base (41) is slidably mounted on the supporting base (10) and has a pushed segment selectively pushed by the pushing arms (361). The moving base (43) is selectively blocked by the sliding base (41) to keep the moving base (43) from moving downwardly before the sliding base (41) sliding relative to the supporting base (10). The anvil element (45) is mounted in the moving base (43).