Folding Knife Blade Release Hidden Until Carrier Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding knives with removable blades often require the blade carrier to be positioned at a specific angle for blade removal, but users may mistakenly believe the mechanism is broken if they attempt to release the blade while in the cutting position, leading to frustration and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
A folding knife design that prevents blade removal when in the cutting position by hiding the blade release mechanism, making it accessible only when the blade carrier is rotated to a specific angle, typically 45 degrees, ensuring intuitive operation and preventing accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blade release mechanism is always accessible, then the user can easily remove the blade, but the user may accidentally detach the blade while in the cutting position
Solution Approach 1:
The blade release mechanism transitions from a static always-accessible state to a dynamic state that changes position based on blade carrier orientation. The mechanism moves between accessible and hidden states as the blade carrier rotates, allowing easy access during blade removal while preventing accidental activation during cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade release mechanism is moved from a two-dimensional surface on the handle to a third-dimensional position that is spatially separated when the blade carrier is in the cutting position. This dimensional relocation ensures the mechanism is physically inaccessible during cutting while remaining accessible when the blade carrier is in the removal position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade release mechanism is hidden when not in use, then accidental detachment is prevented, but the user may be confused about how to access it
Solution Approach 1:
The blade release mechanism incorporates visual indicators that change appearance or become visible based on the blade carrier position. This visual feedback system maintains user awareness of the mechanism's location and accessibility state without requiring the mechanism to be constantly visible, thus preventing accidental detachment while avoiding user confusion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade carrier must be positioned at a specific angle for blade removal, then accidental detachment is prevented, but the user may mistakenly believe the mechanism is broken
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate visual and tactile feedback to confirm the blade carrier is in the correct position for blade removal. This feedback mechanism reassures users that the system is functioning properly and guides them to the correct operational state, eliminating confusion about whether the mechanism is broken or if they are using it incorrectly.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain embodiments of a folding knife 100 are disclosed. In one embodiment, an example knife may include a handle 102 and a blade carrier 104. The blade carrier may be rotatable about the handle and may include a left and a right cap 114, 116. A blade 106 may be removably disposed within the blade carrier. The knife may further include a blade release mechanism 110. In one embodiment, the blade release mechanism may include a compression spring 118 and a lift bar 120. In another embodiment, the blade release mechanism may further include a wheel 1122. In yet another embodiment, the blade release mechanism may include a leaf spring 718 and a slide bar 720. When the blade carrier is rotated such that the knife is not in a cutting position, at least a portion of the blade release mechanism is exposed. When the blade release mechanism is activated, the blade may be removed from within the blade carrier.