Swiss Knife Lubricating Tool With Sealed Reservoirs

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of compact and portable lubrication tools suitable for on-site watch repair, which poses challenges in safely transporting clean oil and preventing confusion between lubricants.

Innovation Solution

A portable lubricating tool with multiple reservoirs, each accessible only in an open position and sealed by a tightly pressed lid, integrated into a multifunction 'Swiss knife' structure, utilizing elastic return means to ensure a leak-tight closure and featuring removable tanks for easy cleaning and identification through visual and tactile markers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional lubricating tools are used, then lubrication function is provided, but portability and compactness are insufficient for on-site use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtool size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple reservoirs, lids, elastic return means, and visual markers into a single compact lubricating tool structure. This merging of multiple functional components into one integrated device achieves portability without significantly increasing volume, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and tool size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed with multiple reservoirs that can store different lubricants, making it a multi-functional device suitable for various lubrication needs. This universality allows a single compact tool to replace multiple separate lubrication devices, improving portability while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If reservoirs are made accessible for easy use, then ease of operation improves, but risk of leakage and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of lubricantVSAvoidleak-proof capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic return means is pre-configured to automatically press the lid against the reservoir opening whenever the tool is closed. This preliminary action ensures leak-proof sealing is maintained without requiring user intervention, allowing easy accessibility during use while preventing leakage when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic return means automatically performs the sealing function by pressing the lid against the reservoir opening when the tool is closed. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable leak-proof capability without requiring additional user actions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If multiple lubricants are stored separately, then identification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant identificationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual markers such as colored bands or indicators on the reservoirs or lids to differentiate between various lubricants. This use of color coding enables quick and accurate lubricant identification without requiring complex labeling systems or additional structural elements, thus improving identification accuracy while maintaining simple device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Reliability

If seals are made tight to prevent leakage, then reliability improves, but ease of opening for use decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal tightnessVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be easily pulled open during use and then automatically return to the closed sealed position through the elastic return means. This dynamic design enables the seal to maintain tightness during storage and transport while allowing easy opening when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 tool provides a compact, safe, and easily identifiable means of lubrication for on-site use, preventing leakage and contamination while allowing easy identification of different lubricants, facilitating precise and efficient maintenance of watches and clocks.

Implementation Method 1

said tooling comprises at least one elastic return means arranged to exert, in said second closed position, a force on said at least one cover to press it tightly against said at least anoint a reservoir

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3146394B1Portable lubricating tool for a clockmaker
Publication Date: 2018.10.24 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP3146394B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3146394B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2A
  • EP3146394B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A portable lubricating tool for a clockmaker (1), comprising at least one timepiece lubricant tank (2) with a plurality of chambers (20), each accessible to a user only in a first open position of the tool (1), each tank (2) being capable of being closed by a sealed cover (3) that is, in a second closed position, held sealingly pressed against the tank (2), and said tool (1) comprises a support structure (10) for at least one such tank (2) and one such cover (3) associated with said tank (2), and said structure (10) is a component of a so-called "Swiss Army knife" multifunctional pocket knife, which comprises a frame (18) on which a plurality of blades (19) pivot.