International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume 1, Issue 1, July-September, 2013, pp.76-84, IASTER 2013

www.iaster.com, ISSN Online:2347-5188 Print: 2347-8772

Conceptual Product Development of Punch cum Stapler

1

Donnell James, 2Dr.K. Janardhan Reddy

M.Tech(CAD/CAM), SMBS,VIT University, Chennai Campus, Chennai

Associate Professor, SMBS, VIT University, Chennai Campus, Chennai, India.

ABSTRACT
This applied research was conducted to develop a new concept wherein the punch and the stapler
were integrated into a single tool for the sake of convenience. Initially existing models and designs
were studied. Their working mechanisms were analysed to integrate them on the same pressing
motion. Multifunctional tools were also studied to understand how to integrate the functionalities
of different tools. Newer concepts were modelled using Solid works 2012. Feedback for each
concept was gathered which was used to narrow down to a single concept.

Keywords: Multi-functionality, Concept Development, QFD, Pugh Method, DARE, Forced

Decision Matrix.

1. INTRODUCTION
Mankind is doing most of his work with the help of tools, gadgets and appliances. This has given
rise to a drastic increase in the number of tools in any working environment like the industry,
office, kitchen or living space. Therefore multifunctional tools are being developed to integrate
these tools and thus reduce the number of tools in the working environment. In Multifunctional
tools, more functions come together and combine their power into one product. The several
advantages of multifunctional tools are that clutter is reduced, material handling time is reduced,
value of the tool to its cost is increased and the number of tools is reduced.
Multi-functionality is not a new concept and was adopted by man right from the Stone Age when
he created the hand axe from stone. He used it for digging, cutting wood, cracking nuts and also as
a weapon [7]. As time passed these tools became more refined as is evident from a recently
unearthed Roman Multi-tool dating back to 1800AD [8]. This Multi-tool was an eating instrument
and could be used as a spoon, fork, toothpick, spatula and knife. Further innovations were carried
out in multifunctional tools resulting in the modern Multi-tool, the Swiss Army Knife. This compact
tool came in varying size and shapes and had a tool list ranging from blades, screwdrivers, bottle
openers to even flash drives, altimeters and compass [9].
Multi-functionality is also the trend employed in office with gadgets like the printer which can also
photocopy and scan or the fax machine which can scan, print and even make calls. Keeping up
with this trend, integrating functions into a single product is the need of the hour. The stapler and
punch is an indispensable part of office stationary, however a mainstream product which performs
both the functions have not been developed. This study aims at developing concepts for a
multifunctional tool which can perform the functions of both the stapler and the punch.

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

2. LITERATURE SURVEY
Multifunctional tools are found in all domains and workspaces. However their development
requires careful planning and attention to the requirements of the customers. The following factors
are taken into account while integrating functions into a single tool2.1 Criteria to choose the
functions for integration.
2.1 Criteria to Choose the Functions for Integration
The first criteria while choosing the functions for integration is that the functions should be of the
same domain. It means that the functions chosen should be performed in the same workspace.
Table 1. Criteria Based on Domain

Domain
Entertainment

Functions
Audio, Video
Audio, Video, Gaming, Surfing the web

Multifunctional Tool
Home Theater system
Personal Computer

Kitchen

Heating, Grilling, Baking

Cutting, Dicing, Grinding, Kneading
Photocopying, Scanning, Printing
Printing, Telecommunication, faxing
Altimeter, Compass, blades, torch

Microwave
Food Processor
Multifunctional Printer
Multifunctional fax machine
Swiss Army Knife

Office
Outdoor

Table 1 illustrates how functions from the same domain have been integrated to form

multifunctional tools thus far.

The second important criteria while choosing the functions for integration is that the chosen
functions should require the same input work or power. This will aid in the working of the
multifunctional tool as the input power can distributed simultaneously or separately to its individual
functions.
The Table 2 lists some examples where multifunctional tools have been developed using the input
power as the criteria for integration
Table 2.Criteria Based on Input

Input Power
Heat
Microprocessor
Mechanical Action
Rotary Motor
1.2

Functions
Heating, Baking, Grilling,
Connectivity, Entertainment
Holding, Cutting, Bending,
Compressing
Grinding, Mixing, Kneading

Multifunctional Tool
Microwave
Smartphone
Pliers
Food Processor

Strategies for integrating the functions

The functions should be integrated such that each function can be separately chosen to perform. The
other factor to be taken into consideration is that the different functions should not interfere with
each other during its functioning. The selection mechanism of the functions should be easy to
operate and the multifunctional tool should remain compact.

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

Table 3. Methods of Integrating Functions

Method
Multiple ends
Multiple Attachments

Multifunctional Tool
Pencil with eraser
Trimmer with multiple attachments

Functions
Write, Erase
Cut, Trim

Magazine

Pen with multiple coloured refills

arranged in a rotary magazine
Swiss Army Knife with attachments for
blades, bottle openers, screwdrivers
Nail Cutter with attachments for filing
and cleaning nails
Sofa which folds to form a bed

Write in different
colours
Cut, open,
Unscrew
Cut, file, clean
nails
Sleep, Sit

Expandable

Folding

The Table 3 lists some common methods of integration of functions and examples for each of these
methods.
2.3 Stapler and Punch as a Multifunctional Tool
The stapler and punch fulfill both the above mentioned criteria. They belong to the same domain
of stationary items. The stapler and punch use the same mechanical action as input to drive their
functioning. Therefore they are ideal for integrating into a multifunctional tool.
2.4 Related Work
A Multifunctional tool comprising of stapler and punch was designed and patented by Paul Steiner
and Bruno Stalker in 1987[4]. Another tool have both the functions was patented by Yoshio
Mitsuhashi in 1985[3].

3. METHODOLOGY AND IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 Methodology
Initially the existing designs and models will be studied. Their working mechanism will analyzed
with an aim to integrate the two components together as both the tools work on the same pressing
motion. Multifunctional tools will be analyzed to understand how to integrate the functionalities of
different tools. Then newer concepts will be modeled using Solid-works 2012. Feedback for each
concept will be gathered which will be used to narrow down to a single concept. Modifications
will be carried out on the concept based on the feedback and the requirement of the users.
3.2 Implementation Using QFD
The multifunctional tool, stapler cum punch has to be developed according to the requirements of
the customer. The prioritization of the requirements, development and screening of the concept
was carried out using the QFD (Quality Function Deployment) Approach.
A basic survey was conducted to get information about the requirements of the customer and also
to prioritize these requirements

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

a.

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

Voice of Customer

Table 4. lists the features that a customer is looking for in this multifunctional tool.
Table 4. Customer Requirements

No.
Requirement
1
Compact
2

Pin Loading Ease

Punching or Stapling action should not interfere with each

and the desired function should be selected with ease
The force required to operate the tool should be less

Ease of Selector
Mechanism
Less force
requirement
Appearance

No of pages

Large pin container

The tool should be able to punch or staple more pages with

little effort
The stapler pin container should be large enough to
accommodate a large amount of pins

8
9

Weight
Ergonomics

b.

Description
The tool should be small so that it can be easily carried
around and it doesnt clutter the workplace
The stapler pins should be easily loaded into the pin
compartment once empty

The tool should have a good design aesthetically and

should have a good colour and finish

The tool should be light in weight

The tool should be comfortable to handle and should have
good grip

Prioritization of the Customer Requirements

The Prioritization of customer requirements is done to determine relative importance of each

feature. It is done in two stages.
1) FD Analysis: Initially FD or Forced Decision matrix method is used to determine the
importance of the features. In this method, items are compared in pairs as in a league
tournament. Of the pair , the item having the higher value to the customer is given a rating
of 1 and the other 0. When all the pairs have been compared, the total scores given to each
of the items are summed in the total column. Priority is given to each item according to its
total points, as shown in the column titled Ranking. TABLE 5 shows the FD analysis of the
Multifunctional tool, stapler cum punch.
2) DARE Analysis: DARE is an abbreviation for Decision alternative ratio System. DARE
is the method to quantify the degree of importance. Once the priorities have been
determined by the FD method, it is relatively easy to compare the importance of two
functions which are adjacent to each other in priority. Beginning with the item highest in
priority ranking, it is determined how much more important that item is to the item that is
directly below in priority ranking. The item lower in priority is given the factor 1, & the
higher priority item, a number higher than 1 depending on how much more important it is
to the function below it in ranking. Table 6 shows the DARE analysis.

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

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(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

ISSN

Table 5.Forced Decision

A
B
C
D

Compact
Pin Loading Ease
No. of pages
Ease of Selector Mechanism

Comparative Study
A B C D E F G H
1 0 1 0 1 1 1
0
0 1 0 1 1 1
1 1
1 0 1 1 1
0 0 0
0 1 0 0

Less Force Req.

1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1

F
G

Appearance
Large Pin Container

0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 1
0 1

H
I

Weight
Ergonomics

0 0 0 1 0 1 1
1
0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

4
2

5
7

Function Description

I
1
1
1
0

Total

Rank

6
5
7

3
4
2

Table 6.DARE Decision

Function
Description
Less Force
Req.
No. of pages
Compact

Comparative Scores
1.2
1

1.7
1

Pin Loading
Ease
Weight
Large Pin
Container
Ergonomics

1.7
1

1.2
1

1.5
1

1.2
1

Cumulative
Weightage

Weightage
%

1.2

16.56

30.44

1.7

13.80

25.37

1.7

8.12

14.93

1.2

4.78

8.79

1.5

3.98

7.32

1.2

2.65

4.87

2.21

4.06

1.3

2.39

1
54.4

1.84
100

1.7

1.7

Ease of
Selector
Mechanism
Appearance

Score

1.3
1

1.3
1

Total

3.5 Concept Generation

After analyzing the requirements of the customers and studying the existing design of the stapler
and punch, the following concepts were modeled in Solid works 2012
Concept 1: This concept uses a convenient knob on the handle as a selector mechanism for choosing
the punch or stapler function. Since the force is applied on the paper as moment using the handle,
less force is required in its operation. Therefore more pages can also be punched or stapled using
this concept. This concept makes up for its lack of compactness by being easy to use.

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

Fig 1. Sketches and Rendered Image of Concept 1

Concept 2:
This concept uses the conventional design of a stapler. It has an expandable
attachment for a punch. When the punch is not in use, the punching pin and its linkages remain
folded by its side and stapler can be utilized. To use the punch, the punching pin and its linkages are
expanded as shown in the Fig 2. This concept is very compact. The only disadvantage in this
concept is that the force is directly applied on the paper while the stapler is in use. Therefore
relatively more force is required for its operation.

Fig 2a. Sketches of Concept 2 in stapling position

Fig 2b. Sketches of Concept 2 in punching position

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

Stapling
Position

Punching
Position

Fig 2c. Rendered Images of Concept 2

Concept 3:
This concept uses the conventional design of a punch. It has an additional
arrangement in the middle for a stapler as shown in the figure. The stapler and the punch use
different handles for its operation. This concept is both very compact and easy to use. It also
requires relatively less force for its operation as the force is applied as a moment through the
handle. The only disadvantage in the above concept is that it contains a relatively small stapler pin
container.

Fig 3a. Sketches of Concept 3

Fig 3b. Rendered Image of Concept 3

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International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1

Selection of Best Concept

The selection of the best concept was done by conducting a basic survey. Then Pugh Selection
matrix was applied to the three concepts and the best concept was selected according to the results
shown in TABLE7
TABLE 7. Pugh Selection Matrix

Selection Criteria
Less Force Req.
More No. of pages
Compact
Pin Loading Ease
Weight
Large Pin Container
Ergonomics
Ease of Selector Mechanism
Appearance
Total Score

Weight
in %
30.44
25.37
14.93
8.79
7.32
4.87
4.06
2.39
1.84

Concept 1
Rating Wt.
Score
4
1.22
4
1.01
2
0.30
2
0.17
3
0.22
4
0.19
3
0.12
5
0.12
4
0.07
3.42

Concept 2
Rating Wt.
Score
2
0.61
3
0.76
4
0.60
3
0.26
4
0.29
4
0.19
3
0.12
3
0.07
4
0.07
2.97

4.2 Specification of the best Concept

Based on the results obtained from the Pugh
Concept Selection Matrix Concept 1 was
selected. The detailed diagram is given in
Fig.5
Fig 4. Design of Concept 1

The Bill of Material for the concept 1 is given

in TABLE 8
Table 8. Bill of Material

Part No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Part Name
Base Plate
Stapler Pin Container
Stapler Pin Container Cover
Knob
Punch Link
Punching Pin
Small Link
Coil Spring
Handle level
Rivet

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Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
4

Concept 3
Rating Wt.
Score
3
0.91
3
0.76
3
0.45
2
0.17
3
0.22
3
0.15
3
0.12
4
0.09
3
0.05
2.92

International Journal of Research in Mechanical Engineering

Volume-1, Issue-1, July-September, 2013, www.iaster.com

ISSN

(O) 2347-5188
(P) 2347-8772

5. CONCLUSION
The following conclusions were drawn from this applied research:
1. The development of multifunctional tools were studied in this research
2. Concepts for a multifunctional tool comprising of a stapler and punch were generated
taking into account the requirements of the customer
3. The best concept was selected using Pugh Concept Selection Matrix

6.

SCOPE OF THE APPLIED RESEARCH

Further Modifications in the design can be carried out based on furhter feedback from the user.
DFMA principles can be used to reduce the number of parts in the design. Cost Estimation can be
done to make the product more economical and competitive in the market.

7.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors would like to thank all the persons who have contributed in giving their feedback and
aided in this applied research.

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