Foldable Multi-Tool Lock and Magnetic Bias for Secure Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multipurpose tools face challenges in providing controlled movement and secure engagement of tool members between open and closed positions, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design, which affects their usability and versatility.
Innovation Solution
The tool incorporates a resilient member and a tool lock mechanism, along with a magnetic bias system, to apply bias forces to the jaws and tool members, allowing for controlled movement and secure engagement, enabling infinite positioning and preventing inadvertent opening or closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multipurpose tool includes multiple tool members carried by a common frame, then the functionality and versatility of the tool is improved, but the size and weight of the tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing tool members within the hollow interior of the handle. The handle is configured as a hollow structure that receives and stores multiple tool members, allowing them to be nested within the handle body. This enables the tool to carry multiple functions while maintaining a compact form factor and reduced weight compared to carrying separate tools.
2Volume of moving object
If the tool is designed to be foldable to reduce size, then the compactness in closed position is improved, but the accessibility and deployment of tool members becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through the spring mechanism that pre-loads the tool member for automatic ejection. The spring is compressed in advance and stores energy, ready to automatically propel the tool member outward when triggered. This preliminary preparation allows the tool member to be quickly deployed from the compact closed position without manual manipulation, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of access.
3Volume of moving object
If tool members are stored within the handle to maintain compact size, then the form factor is improved, but the mechanism to access and deploy tool members becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic ejection mechanism. When the handle is opened or a trigger is activated, the pre-compressed spring automatically propels the tool member outward without requiring manual manipulation by the user. The system serves itself by using the mechanical energy stored in the spring to perform the deployment action, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining compact storage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is made wider to accommodate more tool members, then the versatility is improved, but the compactness and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the internal hollow space of the handle rather than increasing external dimensions. Instead of making the handle wider to accommodate more tool members, the invention stores tool members within the hollow interior of the handle, effectively using the third dimension (internal volume) to increase capacity while maintaining a compact external form factor.
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
This solution enhances the tool's usability by allowing for smooth and controlled deployment of tool members, maintaining a compact form factor, and reducing the need for multiple tools, thereby increasing versatility and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed at least partially within the opening in order to apply a bias force to the jaw during rotation of the jaw relative to the handle
Implementation Method 2
wherein the at least one of the first and second spring portions is configured to receive the tool member magnet and the second spring portion is configured to apply a magnetic force that biases the tool member into the closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool is provided comprising a handle (12) defining a channel and comprising an axle (54) extending thereacross; one or more tool members (13) rotatably mounted upon the axle and configured to rotate between an open position in which the one or more tool members extend from the handle and a closed position in which the one or more tool members are folded into the channel defined by the handle; a tool member magnet (52) carried by the handle and configured to apply a magnetic force that biases the one or more tool members into the closed position; a tool lock (70) carried by the handle and configured to engage the one or more tool members in the open position and to resist rotation of the one or more tool members to the closed position; and a tool lock spring (90) defining an opening (92) through which the axle extends, wherein the tool lock spring extends between first and second spring portions (94, 96) and is mounted upon the axle such that the first spring portion receives the tool member magnet and operably engages the handle and the second spring portion operably engages the tool lock and applies a bias force to the tool lock to urge the tool lock into engagement with the one or more tools.