Bolster Lock Tool for One-Handed Folding Knife Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding knives lack a reliable mechanism for safe one-handed operation and secure locking in both open and closed positions, particularly for knives without spring-assisted opening, which can lead to accidental blade movement and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A bolster-actuated locking mechanism that includes a tang with arcuate locking notches and a locking button, where the bolster rotates to engage or disengage the button from the notches, allowing for secure locking and unlocking of the blade, facilitating one-handed operation and preventing accidental blade movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the blade can be locked in position, but the user cannot operate the knife safely with one hand and may expose fingers to the cutting edge
Solution Approach 1:
The bolster acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the blade locking mechanism. By rotating the bolster, the user can engage or disengage the locking rocker without needing to directly manipulate the blade or expose fingers to the cutting edge, thus enabling safe one-handed operation
2Reliability
If the blade is locked securely in position, then safety is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated system. The bolster serves both as a structural element of the handle and as the actuator for the locking mechanism. The locking rocker combines the blade locking function with the release function, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable secure locking
3Ease of operation
If a spring-assisted opening mechanism is used, then the knife opens easier, but the reliability of one-handed operation and secure locking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the rotation of the bolster. The bolster's rotation automatically engages or disengages the locking rocker without requiring additional springs, cams, or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service design maintains reliability for one-handed operation while providing easy blade opening through the simple rotational motion of the bolster
Data Source
AI summary
A folding tool includes a bolster that acts as a safety and lock release. The tool may be designed for one-hand opening. An implement is held in a stored closed position by a safety formed by the bolster and a button style lock. The implement can be opened to the ready-for-use position by rotating the bolster to release the safety, and then rotating the implement. Once the implement is open, the bolster is rotated back to its original position setting the lock for the tool.