OTF Knife Assisted Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Out-the-Front (OTF) knives lack assisted opening mechanisms, requiring manual force to extend the blade, which can be unsafe and inconvenient, whereas folding knives with assisted opening technologies do not apply to OTF designs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a stored energy mechanism with a linear-actuating system and blade-retaining system, utilizing spring members and cam engaging members to assist in opening the blade, allowing the knife handler to easily extend the blade with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual force is applied to extend the blade in OTF knives, then the blade can be extended, but it requires significant user effort and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded in a compressed state within the handle, storing elastic potential energy. When the user activates the blade extension, the pre-loaded spring automatically propels the blade forward, eliminating the need for the user to manually push the blade and reducing safety risks associated with manual force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The knife system uses its own internal spring mechanism to assist in the blade extension process. The spring provides self-service by automatically propelling the blade from the closed to open position, reducing reliance on external manual force and improving both ease of operation and safety.
2Ease of operation
If a stored energy mechanism is integrated into OTF knives, then assisted opening is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is merged with the blade assembly and handle structure, where the spring is positioned to directly engage with the blade. This integration combines the stored energy mechanism with the existing OTF knife components, providing assisted opening while minimizing additional complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is nested within the handle structure, with the spring housed in a dedicated compartment that is integrated into the overall knife design. This nesting approach allows the stored energy mechanism to be contained within the existing form factor, adding functionality without proportionally increasing external complexity.
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
Enables safe and efficient operation of OTF knives with assisted opening, reducing the risk of accidental blade extension and enhancing user convenience by using stored energy to propel the blade to its fully extended position.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring member and a second spring member positioned at opposing lateral sides of the blade and interconnected to the handle and the blade, respectively
Implementation Method 2
first cam engaging member and a second cam engaging member positioned at opposing lateral sides of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
In general, it can be appreciated that the specific type of knife is an “Out the Front” (OTF) knife whereby the blade is operatively configured to reposition longitudinally forwardly with respect to the handle. The handle in general has an interior surface forming an interior chamber. In addition to the handle and blade, the knife further includes a stored energy mechanism. In general, the stored energy mechanism permits the OTF knife to operate with assisted opening technology with a linear-actuating-type system. Described herein are a few embodiments by way of example of the broadly claimed concept, and it can be appreciated that numerous types of assisted opening technologies, such as a stored energy mechanism, can be incorporated.