Writing Instrument Case with Rotating Locking Easel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing writing instrument cases with easels are often not rigid enough to support the weight of writing instruments and fail to securely hold them in place, leading to disruption of organization during use and transport.
Innovation Solution
A writing instrument case design featuring a base with a first member and a second member rotatably attached via a living hinge, a flap with channels and grooves for secure instrument placement, and a locking mechanism formed by rotating the second member to fit within the first member's slot, providing stability and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a perforated packaging case is used for the easel, then the case can be manufactured easily and成本低, but the easel is not rigid and strong enough to support writing instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into two separate members (first member and second member) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve both manufacturability and strength, as each member can be optimally designed and assembled through rotation to form the complete easel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The case combines multiple material properties by using a rotatable second member that integrates structural support and locking functions. The composite structure of rotatable members with living hinges creates a system that is both strong and manufacturable, overcoming the limitations of single-material designs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If writing instruments are held in the case during transport, then organization is maintained, but the instruments move out of their intended positions during use
Solution Approach 1:
The case transitions from a static closed structure to a dynamic open easel structure. The rotatable second member enables the case to adapt its configuration based on usage needs, maintaining organization during transport in closed mode and providing easy access during use in open mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The case changes its structural parameters by rotating the second member between closed and open positions. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide different functions: secure containment when closed and easy instrument access when open, resolving the contradiction between organization stability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the case is designed to stand in an easel position, then access to writing instruments is improved, but the standing position is interrupted when instruments are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The easel structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The second member can rotate to maintain the easel position even when instruments are added or removed from the case, allowing the standing position to adapt and remain stable throughout the usage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable second member automatically adjusts and maintains the easel position through its own rotational capability, without requiring external support or interruption. The structure serves itself by using the rotation mechanism to compensate for changes in weight distribution when instruments are removed.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain easel position, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-service in nature, utilizing the rotation of the second member itself to create the lock. As the second member rotates into the easel position, its own geometry and the interaction with the first member automatically engage the locking feature, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the rotational movement of the second member. The same rotational action that positions the easel also engages the locking mechanism, combining two functions into one motion and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining 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 ensures the writing instruments remain securely positioned in any orientation, maintaining organization and stability in both closed and easel positions, supporting the weight of the instruments without interruption.
Implementation Method 1
a first member and a second member rotatably attached to the first member via a living hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A writing instrument case includes a base having a first member and a second member rotatably attached to the first member via a hinge. A flap is attached to the base and includes at least one button adapted to fit within at least one dimple of the second member. The flap further includes a plurality of grooves, at least one groove having a knob to secure a portion of a writing instrument to the flap. The second member of the base is rotatably moveable between a closed position, in which the flap fits within the second member of the base, and an open position, in which the projection of the second member fits into the slot of the first member of the base upon rotation of the second member toward the first member, forming a locking mechanism.