Folding Knife Assembly with Interlocking Blade Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding knives have a weak point at the interface of the single blade member and handle, lacking the structural integrity of fixed blade knives, and often require two-handed operation, which can be inconvenient or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A folding knife assembly with a blade system comprising a fixed blade portion and a movable blade portion that interlock in an open configuration, allowing one-handed operation and enhanced structural integrity, featuring a positioning assembly with positioning pins and a locking mechanism for secure deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single blade member is used in folding knives, then the knife can be folded for portability, but the structural integrity and strength at the blade-handle interface is significantly reduced compared to fixed blade knives
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into two separate members: a fixed blade member secured to the handle and a movable blade member that pivots. This segmentation allows the knife to fold for portability while the fixed blade member maintains structural integrity at the handle interface, resolving the contradiction between folding capability and interface strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines features of fixed blade knives (secured blade tang for strength) with folding knife functionality (movable blade for portability). The fixed blade member merges the strength advantage of fixed blades with the folding capability, creating a hybrid structure that resolves the strength-portability contradiction.
2Reliability
If a lock or stop mechanism is added to folding knives, then the blade can be retained in open or closed positions, but two-handed operation is required which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blade member pivots on a pivot pin, dynamically transitioning between open and closed positions. The blade retainer and positioning pins provide automatic retention without requiring manual locking, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining reliable position retention through mechanical design rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade retainer and positioning assembly automatically retain the blade in open or closed positions through mechanical engagement without requiring user action. The system serves itself by using spring pressure and geometric constraints to maintain blade position, eliminating the need for two-handed operation to secure the blade.
3Strength
If a fixed blade member secured to the handle is implemented, then structural integrity comparable to fixed blade knives is achieved, but the complexity of the blade system increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into fixed and movable blade members increases component count, each segment is designed with simple geometry and straightforward assembly. The fixed blade member uses a conventional tang secured to the handle, and the movable blade member uses a simple pivot pin connection, minimizing the complexity increase despite the additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed blade member serves multiple functions: it provides structural strength at the handle interface, acts as a guide for the movable blade member, and forms part of the cutting edge. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several roles into a single component, reducing the need for additional separate parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding knife assembly includes a blade system which is disposable between an open configuration and a closed configuration using a single hand. The blade system includes a fixed blade member and a movable blade member, wherein the fixed blade member and moveable blade member are cooperatively structured to operatively engage one another when the blade system is disposed in an open configuration. The folding knife assembly also includes a positioning system structured to facilitate disposition of the blade system between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A locking system is provided and is structured to operatively engage at least a portion of the positioning system to releasably secure the blade system in the open configuration, and to operatively disengage the positioning system to permit disposition of the blade system into a closed configuration.