Spring-Locked Knife Blade Carrier for Safe Cutting Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knives lack efficient mechanisms for securely locking the blade in both safety and cutting positions, requiring manual holding against spring force and risking accidental blade exposure.
Innovation Solution
A knife design featuring a blade carrier with spring-loaded locking means that can be securely locked in multiple positions using first and second locking mechanisms, including a latch system with visual feedback and ergonomic movement paths, ensuring safe handling and easy adjustment of blade exit length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blade carrier is spring-loaded to automatically retract into the safety position, then the safety function is improved, but the user must continuously hold the blade carrier against spring force during cutting, increasing operational difficulty and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are engaged in advance to secure the blade carrier in the desired position before cutting begins. This preliminary locking action eliminates the need to continuously counteract spring force during the cutting operation, as the blade carrier is pre-positioned and secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically maintains the blade carrier in the cutting position without requiring continuous user input. The mechanical lock sustains the position self-serviceably, freeing the user from the burden of constant force application while preserving the spring-loaded safety retraction capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blade carrier can be adjusted to different cutting positions, then the versatility and adaptability are improved, but the risk of accidental blade exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade carrier is pre-secured in the selected cutting position using the locking means before the cutting operation commences. This advance locking prevents unintended movement or accidental exposure during use, while still allowing deliberate adjustment to different positions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides tactile and visual feedback to confirm when the blade carrier is securely locked in position. This feedback system ensures users can verify the locked state, reducing the risk of accidental exposure while maintaining adaptability across multiple cutting positions.
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 design allows for safe and ergonomic operation by preventing accidental blade exposure, reducing the need for manual holding and enhancing user safety through visual and tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
Spring means are arranged between the housing and the blade carrier and load the blade carrier into the safety position
Data Source
AI summary
A knife including a housing and a blade carrier, in which a blade can be fastened and which is movable in the housing between a safety position in which the blade carrier is arranged in a rear position such that the blade does not project beyond protective components formed by the housing and at least one cutting position in which the blade projects beyond the protective components. A spring mechanism is arranged between the housing and the blade carrier and loads the blade carrier into the safety position. The blade carrier includes first locking element releasably engageable with second locking element on the housing to lock the blade carrier in at least one safety position and/or in at least one cutting position.