Folding Knife Lock Mechanism With Angled Biasing Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding knife lock mechanisms often lack sufficient strength, particularly when designed for one-handed deactivation, which can lead to accidental closure and potential injury due to insufficient locking force under applied moments.
Innovation Solution
A folding knife lock mechanism featuring a locking block with angled engagement surfaces and a biasing device, which biases the locking block toward the blade tip, distributing force through handle block engagement elements to enhance locking strength and facilitate one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is designed for one-handed deactivation, then ease of operation is improved, but locking strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking block for engagement, a biasing device carrier for force application, and separate handle block engagement elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both one-handed operation and high locking strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking block is constrained to move along a fore-aft linear axis, adding a dimensional constraint that transforms the engagement geometry. This linear axis movement combined with the angled engagement surfaces creates a mechanical advantage system that amplifies the user's input force while maintaining strong locking engagement.
2Strength
If the lock mechanism is designed for two-handed deactivation, then locking strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device automatically applies force to the locking block, maintaining engagement pressure without requiring continuous user input. This self-servicing mechanism ensures the lock remains securely engaged during use and can be quickly released with minimal force applied to the release element.
3Strength
If the locking block is biased toward the blade tip, then locking strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device carrier is pivotally connected to the handle, merging the biasing device integration with the handle structure. This integration allows the biasing force to be applied through a compact arrangement that leverages the handle's existing structural support, reducing overall complexity compared to a separate mounting system.
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 enhanced lock mechanism provides increased strength and ease of one-handed deactivation, reducing the risk of accidental closure and improving user safety by effectively managing applied moments and wear-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device configured to bias the locking block toward the blade tip when the blade is in an open orientation
Implementation Method 2
the lower engagement surface of the locking block engages the tang block engagement element when the blade is in an open orientation
Implementation Method 3
the upper engagement surface of the locking block engages the at least one handle block engagement element when the blade is in an open orientation
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a folding knife are disclosed. In one embodiment, the folding knife includes a handle, a blade including a tip and a tang with the tang having a tang block engagement element, an axle pivotably connecting the blade to the handle, and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a locking block constrained to move along a fore-aft linear axis, the locking block including a lower engagement surface, an upper engagement surface, and a rear surface. The lock mechanism also includes a biasing device carrier pivotably connected to the handle, a biasing device oriented between the biasing device carrier and the rear surface of the locking block and the biasing device configured to bias the locking block toward the blade tip when the blade is in an open orientation, and at least one handle block engagement element oriented above the upper engagement surface of the locking block.