Color'er - update 1

RE: Color'er - update 1

jw0752 — Sun, 01 May 2016 13:46:28 GMT

Hi David,

I thought about your problem last night and came up with this alternate approach. I have mocked up a simple prototype and attach the pictures. You are welcome to the idea which will need some work and updating to work practically.

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This principal will allow the use of different size markers and caps to be accommodated by the flexible spring arms. The action can be worked by pinching or you could expand it so that body weight could be used or even a pincher like a pliers. While I have used spring steel for the arms they could also be lever arms with spring loads and the contact to the marker could be more of a foot with a pad. While I have used double sided tape for this demonstration there are lots of non-slip materials out today that would likely be more appropriate. Like I said use the idea if you wish but it will need some more work and experimentation to be really practical.

John

RE: Color'er - update 1

mcb1 — Sun, 01 May 2016 05:18:48 GMT

It's a very interesting issue, and a source of frustration (I imagine) for many people.

I had to learn various new tricks after removing the end of my right thumb ...

Once I picked up one of the newer type, I can see how hard the cap is to remove.

Your design is elegant but relies on the sharpie being inserted correctly and then the screws tightened, and then unscrewed afterwards.

I was wondering if it was possible to introduce the sharpie into a vee shaped slot, and the cap remover comes in from the other side as a taper which then forces the cap off.

If the vee was rubber coated then it shouldn't slide back before the cap is 'ejected'.

A small of amount of assistance from the person may add the necessary friction.

(Sorry I don't have access to a drawing package here, but could scan a sketch)

I'm presuming your daughter has the ability to put the cap back on, so capturing it afterwards is not part of the solution.

I also make this suggestion as it might suit people with only one functional limb.

Mark

RE: Color'er - update 1

jw0752 — Sun, 01 May 2016 02:07:48 GMT

I like you mechanical analysis and solution. I also agree that most simple acts are more complex than we realize.

John

RE: Color'er - update 1

dougw — Sun, 01 May 2016 02:03:49 GMT

cool mechanism - if the marker could be lowered to where the pivots aim through its centerline, would it work better?

RE: Color'er - update 1

DAB — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 17:48:17 GMT

Nice start.

How does the pen extend to the writing surface?

DAB