Foldable Knife Handle With Internal Spare Blade Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knives lack a convenient and secure mechanism for storing and replacing worn or broken blades without the need for external tools.
Innovation Solution
A foldable knife design with a blade holder that pivots between extended and folded positions, incorporating a liner with a spring arm to restrain replacement blades within the handle cavity, allowing easy replacement and removal of blades using a supplemental tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knife includes a storage location for replacement blades, then blade replacement convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement blade is nested within the handle cavity, stored inside a liner that is itself within the handle. This nesting arrangement allows the knife to carry spare blades without adding external complexity, resolving the contradiction between convenience and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm automatically engages with the replacement blade's tab when inserted, and the blade holder's tab engages with the liner's opening. These self-engaging mechanisms eliminate the need for tools or complex operations to secure the replacement blade, improving ease of operation while maintaining simple structure
2Reliability
If a spring arm mechanism is used to restrain replacement blades, then blade security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arm is biased to automatically engage with the replacement blade's tab upon insertion. The blade secures itself by simply being inserted into the liner, with the spring arm providing automatic retention. This self-securing mechanism improves reliability without requiring complex locking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm acts as an intermediary between the liner and the replacement blade, providing a simple yet effective retention mechanism. The spring arm's tab engagement with the blade's tab creates a reliable connection without requiring complex fastening systems
3Ease of operation
If the blade holder pivots between extended and folded positions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The knife is divided into distinct functional segments: the handle, the liner, the spring arm, and the blade holder. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the blade holder pivoting smoothly between positions without compromising the stability of other components
Solution Approach 2:
The blade holder is designed to be dynamic, pivoting between extended and folded positions as needed. This dynamic capability provides ease of operation while the overall handle structure remains stable and reliable, resolving the contradiction between movability and stability
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
Enables quick and tool-free blade replacement, enhancing convenience and security during use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arm to restrain the replacement blade
Data Source
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AI summary
A knife (10) with a replacement blade (26) stored within the knife (10) is provided. The knife (10) allows the replacement blade (26) to be easily and quickly accessible. An arm (42) is movable between a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position the arm (42) interfaces with the replacement blade (26) to restrain the replacement blade (26) from being removed.