Folding Knife Locking Mechanism with Rotating Bolster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding knives lack a novel and effective locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent closure while also providing a convenient mechanism for opening and closing the blade.
Innovation Solution
A folding knife with a locking mechanism that rotates with the blade, featuring a bolster that slides longitudinally to lock the blade in either the open or closed position, using a pivot element with a non-circular profile to synchronize the movement of the blade and locking mechanism, allowing for secure locking and easy opening/closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional liner lock mechanism is used to prevent inadvertent closure, then blade security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and blade opening/closing functions into a single integrated system. The bolster serves dual purposes: it acts as a decorative element and simultaneously functions as the locking mechanism through longitudinal sliding engagement with the locking pin, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it locks the blade in the open position, locks the blade in the closed position, and facilitates blade opening/closing through rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a thumb stud mechanism is added to facilitate blade opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the opening/closing facilitation function into the existing locking mechanism. The bolster's longitudinal sliding and rotational movement directly enables blade opening and closing without requiring a separate thumb stud or other auxiliary opening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism itself serves the dual purpose of securing the blade and facilitating its opening/closing. The user manipulates the same bolster component for both locking/unlocking and opening/closing actions, eliminating the need for separate opening mechanisms.
3Shape
If the locking mechanism is made visible as a conventional bolster, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bolster is designed with differentiated local qualities: its external appearance maintains traditional aesthetic characteristics, while its internal structure incorporates the locking pin engagement features. The locking pin and notch system provides reliable mechanical locking while the external bolster maintains conventional appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a folding knife has a locking mechanism coupled to the blade such that pivoting the blade from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa, causes corresponding rotation of the locking mechanism about the pivot axis of the blade. The locking mechanism is operable to selectively lock the blade in the open position and optionally to selectively lock the blade in the closed position.