Folding Knife Lock Bar Reinforcement Pin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding knives are prone to lock bar failure under extreme load-induced stress due to the shearing of the lock bar engagement hook portion, which is not adequately addressed by prior locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement pin is introduced that transfers load pressure from the lock pivot pin to the lock bar, providing a safety feature that prevents shearing of the lock bar engagement hook portion by maintaining a secure locking relationship between the blade and handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock bar engagement hook portion is used to lock the blade, then the locking mechanism can be simple and easy to operate, but the lock bar is prone to shearing failure under extreme load-induced stress
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the lock bar for engagement, the reinforcement pin for load bearing, and the pivot pin for rotation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the reinforcement pin specifically handling extreme loads to prevent lock bar shearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement pin acts as an intermediary element between the lock bar and the pivot pin. It transfers and distributes the extreme load-induced stress away from the lock bar engagement hook portion, preventing shearing failure while maintaining the simplicity of the lock bar operation.
2Device complexity
If the lock bar directly engages the blade without reinforcement, then the structure remains simple, but the lock bar engagement hook portion may shear under extreme load
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the lock bar for engagement, the reinforcement pin for load bearing, and the pivot pin for rotation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the reinforcement pin specifically handling extreme loads to prevent lock bar shearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a composite structure combining the lock bar (for engagement), reinforcement pin (for strength), and pivot pin (for rotation). This composite approach allows each material/component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both simplicity and strength.
3Reliability
If a reinforcement pin is added to transfer load pressure, then the resistance to failure is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement pin acts as an intermediary element between the lock bar and the pivot pin. It transfers and distributes the extreme load-induced stress away from the lock bar engagement hook portion, preventing shearing failure while maintaining the simplicity of the lock bar operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement pin automatically engages and disengages with the lock bar and pivot pin based on the operational state of the folding knife. When the blade is open, the reinforcement pin is positioned to transfer load; when the blade is closed, the reinforcement pin naturally disengages. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional control components.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding knife having an improved locking mechanism that keeps the knife in an open extended use position until specific close actions are initiated. The improved locking mechanism provides a safety pin that is secured within the frame elements so as to be positioned between the knife blade and the free end of a locking bar that is spring urged thereagainst imparting improved force transfer locking structure thereto with wear adjustably pivot engagement points of the locking mechanism under spring urged locking engagement.