Folding Tool Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for folding hand tools, such as liner locks and lockbacks, while effective, can be improved for greater security and reliability in retaining implements in an open position, particularly in accommodating manufacturing tolerances and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A folding tool with a pivotable member, such as a cam member, that pivots between positions to securely lock the implement in the open position, utilizing a track and engagement mechanism with a spring to ensure the implement remains open and a manual actuation mechanism for unlocking, allowing the implement to move between closed and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms (liner locks or lockbacks) are used, then the implement can be secured in the open position, but the reliability and security of the locking mechanism can be further improved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a lockback member with a locking surface, a separate engagement member with a cam surface, and a spring member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while improving overall reliability through distributed load paths and redundant engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member is disposed within a cavity in the handle, nesting the locking components within the handle structure. The cam member is positioned within the handle cavity, and the spring member is positioned to engage both the lockback member and the engagement member, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves reliability without significantly increasing external complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the implement is designed to fold into the handle for compact storage, then safety is improved by retracting the cutting edge, but a locking mechanism is required to prevent accidental closure during use
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is pre-loaded to continuously exert force on the engagement member, maintaining constant pressure against the cam surface. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the locking mechanism is always under tension, preventing accidental closure by counteracting any forces that might cause the implement to fold unintentionally during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member with its cam surface acts as an intermediary between the lockback member and the spring member. It translates the linear spring force into rotational motion of the lockback member, creating a mechanical advantage that enhances locking security while allowing smooth operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the locking mechanism uses a cam member with a curved surface, then the implement is urged fully into the open position accommodating manufacturing tolerances, but the mechanism requires precise geometric design
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member incorporates a curved surface that guides the engagement member during the opening motion. This curvature is specifically designed to accommodate manufacturing tolerances by providing a gradual transition that self-corrects for dimensional variations in the cutout or slot geometry, ensuring reliable full opening without requiring extremely tight tolerances on other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface geometry is designed with specific curvature parameters that transform the engagement member's linear motion into rotational motion of the lockback. By carefully selecting the cam profile parameters (radius of curvature, arc length, position), the mechanism achieves tolerant accommodation of manufacturing variations while maintaining precise locking function.
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 solution provides a secure and reliable locking mechanism that ensures the implement is fully opened and locked in place, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and enhancing user safety by preventing accidental closure during use.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement member is configured to engage the lockback member when the implement is in an open position as a result of elastic force provided by the spring member
Implementation Method 2
the cam member can urge the implement fully into the open position as the cam member returns to the first position as a result of the interaction created by the engagement member moving over the curved surface of the cam member
Data Source
AI summary
A folding tool and an associated locking mechanism are provided in order to securely and reliably retain an implement, such as a knife blade, in an open position. The folding tool may include a handle, an implement pivotally connected to the handle and a lock. The lock, in turn, may include an engagement member for movement with the blade and a pivotable member, such as a cam member, configured to pivot relative to the handle between first and second positions. As a result of controlled interaction between the engagement member and the pivotable member, such as a result of camming action provided by the cam member, the rotatable implement can be secured in the open position. If desired, the rotatable implement may be released and folded into the closed position.