Multi-Functional Folding Knife With Dual-Guide Cutter-Scraper Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-functional knives are inconvenient due to their complicated structure and inability to efficiently transition between cutter and scraper functions, requiring separate tools for different purposes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional folding knife with a compact structure that allows the blade holder to move along first and second guide rails, enabling positioning at multiple angles from 0° to 90°, and includes safety and self-locking assemblies to prevent accidental rotation and ensure safe storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing multi-functional knives are designed to transform between cutter and scraper functions, then the versatility is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and operation becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The knife blade is designed to perform multiple functions (cutting and scraping) through positional changes only, without requiring different blade types or complex mechanisms. The same blade structure serves both purposes by being rotated to different angles relative to the handle axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade holder is made rotatable relative to the handle, allowing dynamic repositioning of the blade between longitudinal (cutting) and transverse (scraping) orientations. This dynamic adjustment enables function transformation through simple rotational movement rather than complex mechanical transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a blade holder can be rotated to multiple positions to change blade orientation, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of accidental rotation and injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade positioning flexibilityVSAvoidaccidental injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A safety push button is provided that preliminarily prevents accidental rotation of the blade holder by blocking its movement path. The push button must be manually activated to allow controlled rotation, thereby preventing unintended blade orientation changes that could cause injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The safety push button acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the blade holder rotation. It serves as a controlled interface that allows intentional function switching while blocking unintentional rotation, mediating between operational needs and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the knife structure is simplified to reduce production costs, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidfunctional capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The knife uses a single blade structure that serves both cutting and scraping functions through positional adjustment, eliminating the need for multiple blades or complex conversion mechanisms. This universal design reduces part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The knife is divided into distinct functional modules (handle, blade holder, blade, safety mechanisms) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This modular segmentation simplifies production and reduces costs while maintaining the complete multi-functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4588629A1Multi-functional folding knife
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 NINGBO XINGWEI CUTTING TOOLS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4588629A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4588629A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4588629A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A multi-functional folding knife is provided, including: a housing including an outer housing and an inner housing, where the outer housing is provided with a main accommodating chamber and an opening, the opening is provided on a side surface of the outer housing, the inner housing is rotatably and foldably mounted in the main accommodating chamber, and the inner housing is provided with an accommodating cavity and an end opening; a blade holder configured to hold a blade and rotatably mounted in the accommodating cavity; a first guide assembly including a first guide rail and a drive member which is drivably connected to a front side of the blade holder to cause the blade holder to move along the first guide rail; and a second guide assembly including a fixed surface and a second guide rail provided on the fixed surface.