Dual Taper Release Button for Folding Knife Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-button release mechanisms for folding knives lack robustness and efficiency in locking and unlocking the blade in both open and closed positions, requiring an improved design for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A release button with a dual angled tapered section, comprising a button end, a locking end, and a cylindrical shank, where the second tapered sidewall is angled at a greater angle than the first, providing enhanced locking and unlocking functionality by utilizing different angles for force distribution in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single angled tapered release button is used, then the structure is simple, but the locking reliability in both open and closed positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The release button incorporates two distinct tapered sidewalls with different angles (first tapered sidewall and second tapered sidewall) to provide locally optimized engagement characteristics for different blade positions. The first tapered sidewall engages with the blade tang in the open position while the second tapered sidewall engages in the closed position, allowing each surface to be specifically designed for its respective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The release button features asymmetric geometry with non-uniform taper angles on different sidewalls. This asymmetric design allows the button to interact differently with the blade tang depending on the blade's angular position, providing reliable locking in both open and closed states through geometrically distinct engagement surfaces rather than a uniform symmetric shape.
2Ease of operation
If a dual angled tapered release button is implemented, then the locking efficiency and robustness improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the functions of two separate release button designs (one for open position locking, another for closed position locking) into a single integrated component. The dual tapered sidewalls are formed as one monolithic button structure, merging multiple locking functions into a single manufacturable part that performs both locking operations through its geometric features.
3Force
If the release button has different taper angles, then the force distribution is optimized for different positions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release button design utilizes specific geometric parameters (taper angles of the two sidewalls) to optimize force distribution. The first tapered sidewall has a specific angle optimized for engaging the blade tang in the open position, while the second tapered sidewall has a different angle optimized for the closed position, allowing mechanical advantage to be maximized in each operational state.
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 dual angled tapered release button effectively locks the blade in both positions, simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring robust operation with reduced manufacturing steps, allowing for efficient transition between open and closed states.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring that is biased to urge the release button laterally in a direction away from the blade tang
Implementation Method 2
a first tapered sidewall portion and a second tapered sidewall portion, each having different relative angles
Data Source
AI summary
In a folding knife in which a release button is used to lock the blade in the open and/or closed positions, and to release the blade from being locked, the release button has a dual tapered sidewall surface on the locking portion of the button.