Adjustable Abrasive Sharpener with Pivoting Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knife sharpeners with fixed abrasive elements cannot accommodate the varying blade angles of different knife styles, as they are typically set at standard or Asian angles, which may not match the specific angles required by various knife types.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable abrasive sharpener with pivotally mounted elements and a rotary adjustment mechanism allows the sharpening angle to be varied by moving the abrasive elements toward or away from each other, enabling selection of a sharpening angle that matches the prescribed specifications of the knife edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed abrasive elements are used at standard or Asian angles, then the sharpener structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying blade angles of different knife styles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the abrasive elements pivotally mounted rather than fixed, allowing them to move and adjust their orientation. This enables the sharpener to adapt to different blade angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through controlled movement of key components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sharpener into multiple adjustable components, with each abrasive element capable of independent angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific knife types while the whole system remains manageable through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable abrasive elements are introduced, then adaptability to different knife styles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through a rotary adjustment mechanism that controls multiple abrasive elements simultaneously. A single adjustment action can modify the orientation of several abrasive elements, reducing the overall complexity despite the adjustable functionality across different knife types.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple abrasive elements are pivotally mounted, then sharpening precision for different angles is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through a rotary adjustment mechanism that allows users to easily control the angular position of abrasive elements through intuitive rotation. The mechanism is designed to be user-friendly, enabling precise angle adjustment without requiring complex operations or specialized knowledge.
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
The adjustable mechanism allows users to precisely match the sharpening angle to the knife's manufacture specifications, enhancing the effectiveness of the sharpening process across different knife styles.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable abrasive sharpener
Implementation Method 2
abrasive elements can selectively be moved toward and away from each other to vary their orientation and sharpening angle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An adjustable sharpener 2 comprising a frame 4 having an open sharpening slot 16 , a pair of abrasive elements 16a being mounted in said slot to form a generally V-shaped sharpening angle in said slot, at least one of said abrasive elements being mounted for pivotal movement, a rotatable rod 28 being mounted on said frame, and a connecting rack assembly being mounted for axial movement on said frame and being connected between said rod and said at least one of said abrasive elements whereby rotation of said rod effects axial movement of said rack assembly to cause pivotal movement of said at least one of said abrasive elements with respect to the other of said abrasive elements to adjust said sharpening angle formed by said pair of abrasive elements.