Quick Release Mechanism for Writing Instrument Ink Reservoir
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mechanism for selectively engaging barrel portions of writing instruments, which typically involves threaded ends, requires multiple 360° revolutions to access and re-engage the ink reservoir, making it cumbersome for users to replace ink cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A selective engagement mechanism using a docking collar with male projections and complementary tracks that allow for easy disengagement and re-engagement of barrel portions, facilitated by a deformable gasket and track-carrying member, enabling secure access to the interior of the writing instrument with less than 90° rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded ends are used for selective engagement of barrel portions, then secure connection is achieved, but multiple 360° revolutions are required making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is divided into discrete components: male projections on the docking collar and complementary tracks in the second barrel portion. This segmentation allows the engagement to occur through a simplified linear motion with minimal rotation, eliminating the need for multiple threaded revolutions while maintaining secure connection through the interlocking projections and tracks.
2Reliability
If threaded engagement mechanism is used, then reliable re-engagement is achieved, but time-consuming multiple revolutions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The male projections are pre-positioned on the docking collar and the complementary tracks are pre-formed in the second barrel portion. When the barrel portions are brought together, the projections automatically engage with the tracks through a simple linear motion with less than 90° rotation, eliminating the time-consuming multiple revolutions required by threaded mechanisms while ensuring reliable re-engagement.
3Ease of operation
If docking collar with male projections and complementary tracks is used, then ease of disengagement is improved, but additional components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The docking collar with male projections is merged with the first barrel portion, and the complementary tracks are integrated into the second barrel portion. This merging approach combines the engagement mechanism components with the existing barrel structure, achieving ease of disengagement through simple linear motion while minimizing the addition of separate independent components.
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
This mechanism provides quick and secure access to the interior of the writing instrument, reducing the complexity and effort required for ink reservoir replacement while ensuring a reliable lock, allowing users to easily change the ink reservoir with minimal rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing element includes a deformable, shape-recoverable gasket provided in the engagement end of the second barrel portion
Data Source
AI summary
A writing instrument having a selective engagement mechanism includes a first barrel portion with a writing tip and a second barrel portion. A docking collar with male projections extending laterally therefrom is associated with one of the first and second barrel portions, and for each male projection, at least one complementary track is provided in a track-carrying member associated with the other of the first and second barrel portions. A biasing element, such as a gasket, facilitates securement of the first and second barrel portions when engaged with one another.