Foldable Hand Tool Clip and Lock for Flush Grip Carry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable hand tools face issues with locking mechanisms that are not easily activated, can unexpectedly unlock, and retractable clips that either clamp too tightly or become detached, leading to security and orientation problems, while also obstructing a flush grip.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool assembly with a retractable clip that can be secreted into the handle, providing a flush grip, and a locking mechanism that can be quickly activated to withstand user force, allowing the blade to be easily extended and maintained in a locked configuration until manually retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable clip is coupled to the foldable hand tool, then the tool can be securely attached to objects for convenient carrying, but the clip may clamp down too tightly causing damage to the object or become detached unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The clip's engagement force is made variable through a spring mechanism that allows the clip to transition between different engagement states. The spring can be compressed to increase engagement force when needed, and its natural state provides a controlled opening force, preventing both excessive clamping and unexpected detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip transitions from a static attachment to a dynamic system with movable components. The spring-loaded mechanism allows the clip to adapt its engagement level based on the object it attaches to, providing secure attachment while maintaining the ability to release cleanly without damage.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to lock the tool implement into an extended configuration, then the tool can be securely locked, but the locking mechanism may become unlocked unexpectedly or fail at inopportune moments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the blade assembly and integrated into the handle assembly, allowing the blade to be locked independently. This separation enables the locking mechanism to be optimized for security while maintaining easy access for quick release through the handle's locking components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable clip is positioned on the spine or back of the knife, then the clip can be integrated into the tool design, but the orientation is counter to traditional orientation and may obstruct a flush grip
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the clip on the traditional spine or back of the knife, the invention inverts the orientation by placing the clip on the handle assembly in a position that does not obstruct the grip. This inverted placement maintains clip functionality while achieving a flush, non-obtrusive design that conforms to traditional knife handling ergonomics.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool assembly having a foldable implement, such as a blade, and a retractable attachment clip having an actuator is disclosed. A retracting assembly may be coupled to the attachment clip; the hand tool assembly may include a rotatable cam assembly comprising a rotatable cam coupled to a rotatable cam arm having a lifter; the rotatable cam may be coupled to the implement; the rotatable cam may have an off-center rotational axis; when a user rotates the implement, the rotatable cam may also be rotated, causing the position of the lifter to be moved a distance, thereby causing movement of the actuator of the attachment clip thereby actuating movement of the extendable, retractable attachment clip; the foldable hand tool may include a locking assembly having a spine having lug element and a first tooth configured to detachably mate with a first tooth-receiving slot of the implement.