Thermochromic Pen Push Element Tilting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thermochromic writing tools with a rub portion on the push element face stability issues during rubbing operations due to forward movement of the push element, which hinders stable rubbing, especially in double push type mechanisms where the push element wobbles longitudinally.
Innovation Solution
A thermochromic writing tool design featuring a push element with a tiltable protruding and retracting mechanism and a rub portion on its rear end, where irregularities on the push element or barrel surfaces increase friction, preventing forward movement by enhancing the spike effect and hysteresis loss, allowing stable rubbing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rub portion is disposed on the push element, then thermochromic writing tool can erase writing by frictional heat, but the push element moves frontward during rubbing operation, hindering stable rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows the push element to tilt in the radial direction (another dimension) relative to the barrel axis during rubbing operation, instead of moving only in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional change enables the rub portion to remain effectively engaged with the paper while the writing point portion maintains its position, solving the stability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the degree of freedom parameter of the push element from fixed longitudinal movement to tiltable radial movement. By modifying the movement parameter from linear displacement to angular rotation, the system achieves stable rubbing operation without pushing the writing point forward.
2Ease of operation
If a protruding and retracting mechanism is used to press push element frontward, then writing point portion can protrude and retract, but the push element wobbles in longitudinal direction, hindering stable rubbing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention redirects the push element's movement from the longitudinal dimension (where wobbling occurs) to the radial dimension (tilting motion). This dimensional redirection eliminates the wobbling issue while maintaining the ability to perform rubbing operations effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic tilting capability to the push element, allowing it to adapt its orientation during rubbing operation. This dynamic adjustment in the radial direction compensates for the instability in the longitudinal direction, achieving overall operational stability.
3Reliability
If irregularities are added to push element or barrel surfaces, then friction coefficient increases preventing forward movement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies irregularities only at specific local contact regions on the push element or barrel surface, rather than modifying the entire surface. This localized modification achieves the desired friction increase while minimizing the impact on device complexity and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the surface roughness parameter locally to increase friction coefficient. By changing only the surface texture parameter at contact points rather than the overall structure, the system achieves improved reliability with minimal increase in device complexity.
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 ensures a stable rubbing operation by increasing the friction coefficient between the push element and the barrel, preventing forward movement and maintaining the rub portion's effectiveness, thus providing a simple and stable thermochromic writing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a rub portion disposed on a rear end portion of the push element, the rub portion being capable of thermally discoloring a writing with the thermochromic ink by frictional heat generated when the writing with the thermochromic ink is rubbed with the rub portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the outer face of the push element and the inner face of the barrel disposed opposite the outer face of the push element has irregularities that prevent frontward movement of the push element relative to the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A thermochromic writing tool which includes a writing element including a reservoir in which thermochromic ink is retained, and a writing point portion which is disposed on a front end portion of the reservoir and from which the thermochromic ink is dischargeable; a barrel which is made of a resin and in which the writing element is accommodated so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction; a protruding and retracting mechanism including a push element made of a resin and disposed on a rear end portion of the barrel so as to be tiltable in a radial direction relative to an axis of the barrel; and a rub portion disposed on a rear end portion of the push element 5.