One-Handed Writing Tool Clip Using Wire Rod Elasticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing writing tools with clips require two-handed manipulation to open, making it burdensome for users to operate the clip without holding the tool body with one hand and raising the clip with the other.
Innovation Solution
A writing tool design featuring a clip member composed of a wire rod, where the longitudinal intermediate section is biased toward the tool body, allowing the clip to be opened by pushing the back-end section toward the tool body with one hand, utilizing the elasticity of the wire rod to maintain contact and simplify the configuration without a spring biasing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the clip is composed of a single piece of metal elastic wire rod attached to mounting holes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because two-handed manipulation is required to open the clip
Solution Approach 1:
The clip member is designed with a swingable intermediate section that pivots on the tool body, transforming the static clip structure into a dynamic one. This allows the clip to automatically open when the back-end section is pushed, eliminating the need for two-handed manipulation while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member utilizes the elasticity of the wire rod to automatically return to its original position after being pushed open. The elastic deformation and recovery of the wire rod provides self-service functionality, eliminating the need for additional biasing members like springs while maintaining ease of operation
2Device complexity
If the clip member is bent into a shape allowing the writing tip-side section to be biased toward the tool body by elasticity, then the device complexity is reduced by eliminating spring biasing members, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wire rod is bent into specific shapes with predetermined curvature radii and angles to create the biasing effect. By changing the geometric parameters of the wire rod (bending radius, bend angles, section lengths), the elastic biasing force is generated without requiring additional components, balancing manufacturing feasibility with functional performance
3Ease of operation
If the intermediate section of the clip member is held by the lateral portion of the tool body, then the ease of operation is improved for one-handed use, but the device complexity increases due to the swingable support mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate section of the clip member is integrated with the tool body through a swingable support mechanism that combines the holding function with the pivoting function. This merging of functions allows the clip to be securely attached while enabling automatic opening motion, achieving one-handed operation without excessive 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
Enables one-handed operation of the clip, enhancing user convenience and simplifying the design by eliminating the need for additional biasing mechanisms, while preventing the clip from dropping off through strategic mounting and relief parts.
Implementation Method 1
the clip member is bent into a shape allowing the longitudinal writing tip-side section of the clip member to be biased toward the tool body by elasticity of the wire rod composing the clip member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a writing tool comprising a clip composed of a wire rod, wherein the writing tool is capable of allowing a user to raise the clip without manipulation with both hands. The writing tool 1 comprises a tool body 7 extending in a longitudinal direction, and a clip member 8 composed of a wire rod and held by a lateral portion of the tool body 7, wherein a longitudinal intermediate portion 8B of the clip member 8 is held by the lateral portion of the tool body 7, and the clip member 8 is biased toward the tool body 7 so as to cause a longitudinal fore-end portion 8A of the clip member 8 to come into contact with the tool body 7, and wherein the writing tool is configured such that, when a back-end portion 8C of the clip member 8 is pushed toward the tool body 7, the fore-end portion 8A of the clip member 8 is swung to be spaced apart from the tool body 7.