Folding Knife Assembly With Interlocking Blade Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Folding knives have a weak point at the interface of the single blade member and handle when deployed, requiring two-handed operation and lacking structural integrity compared to fixed blade knives, with maintenance issues due to debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A folding knife assembly with a fixed blade portion and a movable blade portion that interlock in an open configuration, using a positioning assembly with pins and a locking mechanism for one-handed operation and self-cleaning features to prevent debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single blade member is used in folding knives, then the knife can be compact and portable, but structural integrity and strength are reduced at the blade-handle interface
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into two separate portions: a fixed blade portion secured to the handle and a movable blade portion that folds. This segmentation allows the fixed portion to provide strong structural support at the handle interface while the movable portion provides cutting functionality, resolving the contradiction between compactness and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines features of fixed-blade knives (strong handle interface) and folding knives (portability) by creating a hybrid structure where part of the blade is fixed and part is movable. This merging of concepts achieves both structural integrity and compact design.
2Device complexity
If a single blade member is used in folding knives, then the structure is simpler, but the knife requires two-handed operation and lacks stability when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the blade into fixed and movable portions creates natural locking points and stabilization mechanisms that enable secure one-handed operation. The fixed portion anchors the blade while the movable portion can be controlled with one hand, eliminating the need for two-handed operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If debris accumulates in the knife assembly, then maintenance is required, but the simple single-blade design should minimize maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and addresses the debris accumulation problem by incorporating specific design features that prevent debris buildup in the first place, rather than requiring complex cleaning mechanisms. This maintains design simplicity while reducing maintenance needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding knife assembly includes a blade assembly which is disposable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The blade assembly includes a fixed blade portion and a movable blade portion, wherein the fixed blade portion and moveable blade portion are cooperatively structured to engage one another in an interlocked configuration when the blade assembly is disposed in an open configuration. The folding knife assembly also includes a positioning assembly structured to facilitate disposition of the blade assembly between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A locking assembly is provided and is structured to operatively engage at least a portion of the positioning assembly to releasably secure the blade assembly in the open configuration, and to operatively disengage the positioning assembly to permit disposition of the blade assembly into a closed configuration.