Modular Knife With Interchangeable Modules For Blade Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knives with adjustable blade extension lengths can be hazardous and impractical for workplaces requiring specific cutting operations, as they may lead to unsuitable settings and increased part inventory due to varying blade lengths.

Innovation Solution

A modular knife design where interchangeable modules define different blade extension lengths, allowing the same knife to be used for various applications with adjustable blade projection, ensuring safety and reducing part inventory by allowing the knife housing to be closed, preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable stop with an adjusting screw is provided to enable different blade extension lengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and safety are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade extension length adjustmentVSAvoidadjusting screw mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The knife is divided into a housing, blade holder, and interchangeable modules. Each module contains a specific retaining surface position that defines a predetermined blade extension length. This segmentation eliminates the need for adjustable mechanisms while providing multiple fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing continuous adjustability through an adjusting screw, the invention provides discrete parameter changes by offering a set of interchangeable modules, each with a different retaining surface position. This changes the blade extension length in predetermined steps rather than continuously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable stop mechanism is provided for blade extension length, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation and safety are worsened due to potential unsuitable settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade extension length variationVSAvoidworker safety and proper setting

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The appropriate module configuration is determined in advance based on the specific cutting application requirements. The retaining surface position on each module is pre-calculated to provide the optimal blade extension length for that application, eliminating the need for workers to make adjustments during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable modules can be considered as disposable or replaceable components. If a module becomes worn or contaminated, it can be replaced with a new one rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, ensuring consistent performance and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple knives with varying blade extension lengths are provided for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but quantity of parts and inventory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferent blade extension lengths for different applicationsVSAvoidnumber of different knives

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single knife housing and blade holder assembly can perform multiple functions by accepting different interchangeable modules. Each module provides a specific blade extension length configuration, allowing one knife to replace multiple specialized knives while maintaining adaptability for different cutting applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10300616B2Knife

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 MARTOR

AI summary

The invention relates to a knife with a housing (11) and with a blade holder (13) for holding a blade (17), the blade holder (13) being movable between a safety position in which the blade (17) is inaccessible within the housing (11) and a cutting position in which the blade (17) projects at least partially out of the housing (11), the cutting position being defined by the interaction of at least one stop surface (32a, 32b) associated with the housing (11) and at least one counterpart surface (23a, 23b) associated with the blade holder (13).