Modular Spring Assembly for Folding Knife Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding knives with minimal space for torsion springs often have under-designed and overstressed springs, making them prone to breakage, and existing designs complicate the removal of broken springs in field applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular spring assembly that is coaxially positioned with the pivot axis of the knife, allowing for easy removal and replacement without disassembling the handle, and includes a spring module with a torsion spring that can be preloaded and secured with adjustable torque, providing additional space for a larger wire diameter or more coils, and features for drainage to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the torsion spring is made smaller to fit minimal space, then the envelope size is reduced, but the spring becomes under-designed and overstressed leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is divided into modular components: the torsion spring, the spring retainer, and the pivot assembly are separate interchangeable parts. This allows the spring to be optimized for strength while the overall assembly remains compact, as components can be independently sized and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring retainer is designed to be dynamically removable and reconfigurable, allowing users to replace springs in the field. This dynamic access enables maintenance of a larger, more reliable spring without permanently increasing the envelope size, as the replacement capability is built into the design.
2Volume of moving object
If the torsion spring is made smaller to fit minimal space, then the envelope size is reduced, but the spring becomes overstressed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spring assembly into separate components (spring, retainer, pivot), each part can be independently optimized. The spring can be designed with appropriate wire diameter and coil count to reduce stress, while the modular structure maintains compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows changing spring parameters (wire diameter, coil count, material) without changing the overall envelope. Users can select springs with optimized parameters for reduced stress while maintaining the same compact housing dimensions.
3Ease of repair
If the handle is disassembled to access the torsion spring, then the spring becomes replaceable, but the number of components increases and parts may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is extracted from the traditional embedded position and placed in a modular assembly that can be removed as a unit. This allows spring replacement without disassembling the handle, reducing the number of small parts that could be lost while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring, retainer, and pivot components are merged into a single removable spring assembly unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts to manage compared to traditional designs requiring handle disassembly, while enabling easy spring replacement through single-unit removal.
4Ease of operation
If a modular spring assembly is implemented, then spring accessibility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is extracted from the handle interior and positioned in an externally accessible modular assembly. This allows users to access and replace springs without tools or handle disassembly, improving ease of operation while the modular nature actually simplifies the overall structure compared to traditional embedded designs.
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 modular spring assembly enhances the durability and accessibility of the torsion spring, allowing users to easily replace or upgrade springs in the field, reducing the risk of breakage and corrosion, while maintaining adjustable torque and improved drainage.
Implementation Method 1
Many folding folding tools utilize a torsion spring to pivot an implement from a closed position to an open position. For example, many folding knives utilize a torsion spring to assist or automatically pivot a blade from a closed position to an open position.
Implementation Method 2
features for drainage to prevent corrosion
Data Source
AI summary
A modular spring assembly configured for interconnection with a folding tool is provided. The modular spring assembly may be positioned coaxially with a pivot axis of the folding tool and interconnected to the folding tool. In one embodiment, the modular spring assembly includes a cup and a torsion spring.