Alternating Slat Knife Holder for Variable Blade Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knife holders fail to securely hold knives of varying blade thicknesses and become increasingly difficult to use as more knives are inserted, due to narrowing insertion spaces and increasing compressive forces.
Innovation Solution
A knife holder design featuring alternating slats that deform elastically to accommodate blades of different thicknesses, with a constant insertion inlet size and immobile holding elements to maintain consistent compressive force, and a removable cover for easy cleaning and secure blade positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two inverted V-shaped plates are used as holding elements, then a compressive force is exerted against the blade to hold it in position, but the insertion inlet narrows as more knives are inserted making it difficult to insert additional blades
Solution Approach 1:
Each holding element is divided into multiple independent slats (at least two slats per holding element) arranged alternately. This segmentation allows individual slats to deform elastically under blade pressure while other slats remain stationary, maintaining the insertion inlet width even as multiple knives are inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the specific slats that come into contact with the inserted blade are elastically deformed to exert compressive force, while other slats remain rigid. This localized deformation ensures that the compressive force is applied only where needed without affecting the overall insertion inlet dimensions.
2Reliability
If two inverted V-shaped plates are used as holding elements, then a compressive force is exerted against the blade to hold it in position, but blades of different thicknesses cannot be securely held through the same insertion inlet
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is segmented into multiple slats that can independently deform. When a blade of any thickness is inserted, only the slats in direct contact with that blade deform elastically, while other slats remain stationary. This allows the holder to adapt to different blade thicknesses while maintaining secure holding through localized compressive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats are designed with elastic properties that allow their deformation parameter to change based on the blade thickness. Thinner blades cause smaller deformations while thicker blades cause larger deformations, but all slats return to their original position, ensuring consistent holding stability across different blade thicknesses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternating slats are used to hold knives of different thicknesses, then only contacting slats deform elastically, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slats are combined within a single holding element structure, integrating the functions of multiple independent components into one unified element. This merging approach provides the adaptability of multiple movable parts while maintaining the simplicity of a single structural unit, reducing overall device 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
The design allows for secure holding of knives with varying blade thicknesses, maintains ease of insertion and removal, and prevents accidental slipping or damage, while ensuring stability and ergonomic use.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two slats of the at least two holding elements are arranged alternately... only the slats which are in contact with the inserted blade being bent and deforming in order to exert the compressive force against the blade to hold it in position
Data Source
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AI summary
Knife holder (1) comprising a retaining device (2) comprising at least two retaining elements (3) which are arranged opposite each other, the at least two adjacent retaining elements extending so that their respective exit ends (33) tend to meet, an insertion inlet being formed between the first two inlet ends of the at least two adjacent retaining elements to receive a knife blade, the at least two adjacent retaining elements being elastically flexed when the blade is inserted through the insertion in an insertion direction such that a compressive force is exerted against the blade and in that the at least two slats of the at least two retaining elements are arranged alternately.