Magnetic Utility Knife Holder for Tool Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small tools like utility knives often roll off tool benches or tables, causing inefficiencies and time delays as users must search for them, disrupting their work.
Innovation Solution
A utility knife with embedded or adapter-coupled magnets that can securely attach to a magnetically attractable surface, allowing vertical or horizontal orientation, and a base with interlocking geometry for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools are placed on a tool bench or table for later use, then tools are easily accessible to the user, but tools may roll off the tool bench or table and away from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the tool body interact with a magnetically attractable surface on the holder, providing secure retention through magnetic attraction forces without mechanical contact points that could fail or require complex assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the holder surface by applying a magnetic field property to it. The holder features a magnetically attractable surface that can generate or respond to magnetic fields, allowing non-magnetic tools (via embedded magnets) to be securely retained through magnetic attraction rather than mechanical means.
2Device complexity
If tools are not secured on the tool bench, then the tool structure remains simple, but the user must stop work to search for tools, leading to inefficiencies and time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical retention mechanisms (screws, springs, clips, latches) with a magnetic field-based system. The magnets embedded in the tool body and the magnetically attractable surface on the holder create a simple yet effective retention system that maintains tool security while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field properties to the holder system, changing it from a purely mechanical structure to one that utilizes magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows the holder to provide secure tool retention through magnetic forces without requiring complex mechanical components, thus maintaining simplicity while improving productivity.
3Reliability
If magnets are embedded within the knife body, then the utility knife can securely attach to the base, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic retention system into two independent components: magnets embedded in the tool body and a magnetically attractable surface on the holder. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining strong magnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that can provide magnetic coupling capability to tools that do not have embedded magnets. The adapter attaches to the tool and contains magnets that interact with the magnetically attractable surface on the holder, allowing magnetic retention without modifying the original tool manufacturing process.
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
Keeps the utility knife conveniently and securely nearby, reducing clutter and search time, allowing users to focus on their project without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnets coupled to the body. The magnets are able to be embedded within the body or embedded with an adapter that is configured to removably couple with the utility knife
Data Source
AI summary
A utility knife includes a body with a knife blade storable within the body and one or more magnets coupled to the knife body. The magnets are able to be embedded within the body or embedded with an adapter that is configured to removably couple with the utility knife. In some embodiments, the knife blade folds out from a side of the body and into an operable position. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the knife blade slides out of a top of the body and into the operable position. The utility knife is able to magnetically couple with a base having a magnetically attractable surface. The utility knife is securable to the base in a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.