Auto-Retracting Cutting Device with Dual Spring Force Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-retract configurations for cutting devices require non-constant, variable force to maintain the blade extended, leading to user fatigue and discomfort due to uneven load application.
Innovation Solution
A cutting device with a housing and a movably disposed cutting assembly, featuring an actuating member and two urging members that apply forces to extend and retract the blade, allowing for automatic retraction and reduced user effort through a mechanism where the actuating member is moved to an extended position with a greater force than the urging force, and maintained with a smaller inward force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional auto-retract configurations are used, then the blade can retract automatically for safety, but variable force is required to maintain the blade extended, causing user fatigue and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic force balance mechanism where the first and second urging members adjust their forces based on the actuating member's position. The system transitions from requiring variable user force to requiring only a small initial force to activate the automatic retraction mechanism, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The urging members are configured to automatically balance the forces acting on the actuating member. Once the user applies a small force to move the actuating member between positions, the urging members self-adjust to maintain the position without requiring continuous user effort, eliminating fatigue while preserving the auto-retract safety feature
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual locking features are used to hold the blade extended, then the blade can be securely positioned, but the user must continuously apply variable force to maintain the extended position
Solution Approach 1:
The first urging member acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the forces trying to move the actuating member. By positioning the urging members to apply forces in opposite directions, the system creates a natural equilibrium point that stabilizes the blade position without requiring continuous user force application
3Productivity
If the blade is kept extended for scraping operations, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the risk of unintentional damage and injury increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between extended and retracted states based on user input. The blade remains extended during active use for efficient scraping, then automatically retracts when the user releases the actuating member, eliminating injury risk while preserving cutting efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for user vigilance and manual retraction with an automatic mechanical retraction system. The urging members and actuating member work together to automatically return the blade to the retracted position, substituting human caution with a reliable mechanical safety mechanism
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 solution provides a safe and intuitive method for cutting, reducing user fatigue and discomfort by allowing the blade to auto-retract and maintain an extended position with minimal force, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first urging member that is configured to urge the actuating member away from the body member, from an inner position toward an outer position relative to the body member, by applying a first urging force
Implementation Method 2
a second urging member that is configured to urge the cutting assembly to retract within the housing by applying a second urging force that urges the actuating member to move from an extended position toward a retracted position relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cutting device is disclosed. The cutting device has a housing, a cutting assembly that is movably disposed in the housing, the cutting assembly including a body member, an actuating member, and a first urging member that is configured to urge the actuating member away from the body member, from an inner position toward an outer position relative to the body member, by applying a first urging force, and a second urging member that is configured to urge the cutting assembly to retract within the housing by applying a second urging force that urges the actuating member to move from an extended position toward a retracted position relative to the housing. The housing includes at least one recess.