SEMIAUTOMATIC PENCIL SHARPENER Patent November 2017 (Pending) Individual Work Tutor: TJ Kim
Abstract This product is based on the idea of a ‘handy but easily useful pencil sharpener.’ To fulfill this condition, I needed the principles that made sharpening a pencil easier, and I referenced the spiral screw driver. To test my initial research, I disassembled existing similar products to analyze the principle and optimized the design through sketches and 3D CAD works. Finally, I checked its usability through 3D printing and it fulfilled my initial condition, handy pencil sharpener. This project is still being developed and is in a pending process.
THE PROBLEM MANUAL
ELECTRIC
Cutter
Hand
Spring
Motor
Pros - Portable Cons - Dangerous and slow
Pros - Portable Cons - Painful turns
Pros - Useful Cons - Large volume
Pros - Useful and fast Cons - Heavy and requires electricity
Two Inputs
At Once
In existing types of pencil sharpeners, we need to push and rotate the pencil (in electric pencil sharpener, electricity takes this role) at the same time. It needs two input forces.
But, if there is spiral road on its body and a blade is attached to the body like this, we can sharpen a pencil just by pushing the pencil. In other words, It needs only one input force.
WHAT VALUE DOES IT HAVE?
No Electricity Hand powered
Quick Time
Only 3 times to sharpen
Portable Size
Handy enough to carry
IDEATION SKETCH
DEVELOPMENT
I drew several sketches to find an ideal internal mechanism. The more I drew and figured out the mechanism, the more it got optimized and solid.
I developed the 1st working mockup with professional engineers and figured out the mechanism. It worked well but it was too long and heavy to carry.
TEST USE
My pencil is broken...
Push the pencil into the sharpener
Up and down 5 times
Done
Now my pencil has a sharp tip!
Emptying the reservoir
HOW TO USE IT?
Conclusion Transferring a linear motion to a rotating motion is a very simple mechanism. But, because it is easy, there were lots of variations about this, ironically. I applied all my knowledge of mechanical engineering to develop this idea. Through this project, I had a chance to experience realizing the functions and forms for making a level that had been used to remain raw level. Reducing DOF (Degree Of Freedom) has a big meaning in engineering. By removing unnecessary tasks it allows users to use it easier. Furthermore, by reducing existing constraints, it also gives benefits to the person who is uncomfortable. Although the project is not yet completed, I want to develop it further and introduce it to people.