Variable Color Shade Marker With Nested Reservoirs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing writing instruments that provide variable color shades are often cumbersome, require multiple tools, or rely on complex mechanisms with high manufacturing costs and a risk of malfunction.

Innovation Solution

A writing instrument with a simple and compact design featuring an inner reservoir for a first medium, a sleeve surrounding the reservoir, an outer reservoir for a second medium, and a mechanical actuator that allows the sleeve and inner reservoir to move relative to each other, enabling controlled mixing of the two media without the need for electric power or pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variable color instruments are designed to present multiple colors or shadings, then color shade versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor shade versatilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into separate functional modules: an inner reservoir for concentrated colorant, an outer reservoir for diluent, and a mixing chamber. This segmentation allows independent storage and controlled mixing of components, achieving variable shades without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner reservoir is nested within the outer reservoir, with the inner reservoir containing concentrated colorant and the outer reservoir containing diluent. This nested configuration enables compact design while maintaining separate storage of multiple media, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pumps, electronics and batteries are used in variable color instruments, then color shade versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor shade versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument uses passive mixing mechanisms where the user's natural actions (squeezing, pressing, or moving the device) drive the mixing process without requiring external power sources. The mixing chamber design allows automatic mixing through pressure differential or mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for pumps and electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanisms are used in variable color instruments, then color shade versatility is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased malfunction risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor shade versatilityVSAvoidinstrument reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The complex pumping and electronic control mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simplified passive mixing system. The mixing chamber is designed to achieve color variation through basic mechanical actions, removing potential failure points associated with pumps, electronics, and batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple writing instruments are used to achieve different shades, then color shade versatility is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to cumbersome handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor shade versatilityVSAvoidhandling convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple writing instruments with different shades are merged into a single instrument containing both concentrated colorant and diluent reservoirs. The mixing chamber enables on-demand creation of various shades by combining the two media, allowing users to carry and access multiple shades in one compact device, significantly improving handling convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 writing instrument allows for the creation of multiple shades of a single color using a single tool, providing mobility and agility similar to traditional markers while maintaining reliability and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

A microfluidic effect may be created, that allows the first medium to easily flow through the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrofluidic effect:

Implementation Method 2

the at least one opening may be covered by the sleeve such that a fluid contact between the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir may be prevented

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

The first medium may be miscible with the second medium. In addition or alternatively, the first medium may be soluble within the second medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMiscibility:

Data Source

PatentUS12251959B2Variable color shade marker

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 BIC VIOLEX SINGLE MEMBER SA

AI summary

A writing instrument comprising an inner reservoir for storing a first medium, wherein the inner reservoir comprises at least one opening at a first distal area of the inner reservoir; a sleeve at least partially surrounding the inner reservoir; an outer reservoir for storing a second medium; and an actuator. The inner reservoir and the sleeve are movable with respect to each other by actuation of the actuator, and the inner reservoir and the sleeve are arranged at least partially within the outer reservoir.