Out-the-front knife side locking mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double action out-the-front knives face issues with locks that slow down blade deployment and retraction due to constant contact with the blade, leading to drag, potential marking, and increased spring strength requirements, as well as susceptibility to dirt and debris accumulation, which can cause failure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a firing mechanism with a slider and lock system where the blade insert interacts with slider arms and locks, allowing the locks to be free-floating during deployment and retraction, reducing drag and contact with the blade, and using a weaker blade spring to facilitate easier operation and minimize wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locks are in constant contact with the blade during deployment and retraction, then the blade can be securely locked in position, but the blade deployment and retraction speed decreases due to drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blade insert as an intermediary component between the locks and the blade. The locks engage with the blade insert rather than directly with the blade, allowing the blade to move freely during deployment and retraction while the locks remain stationary. This intermediary mechanism maintains secure locking when needed without creating drag during blade movement.
2Reliability
If locks are in constant contact with the blade, then the blade can be securely held, but the blade surface may become marked or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The blade insert serves as a protective intermediary that the locks engage with instead of the blade surface. This prevents direct contact between the locks and the blade, eliminating the harmful effect of marking or damaging the blade while maintaining secure holding capability through the insert.
3Productivity
If stronger springs are used to overcome lock drag, then the blade can be deployed and retracted, but the operation becomes harder and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the blade insert as a mediator, the patent eliminates the need for strong springs to overcome lock drag. The locks engage with the stationary insert rather than the moving blade, removing the source of drag and allowing weaker springs to be used, which makes operation easier and reduces wear on the spring mechanism.
4Reliability
If locks are in constant contact with the blade, then locking function is maintained, but dirt and debris accumulation increases leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The blade insert acts as a sacrificial intermediary that protects the locks from direct contact with the blade and the environment. By engaging with the insert rather than the blade, the locks are less susceptible to dirt and debris accumulation, reducing the risk of failure while maintaining the locking function.
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 speed and reliability of blade deployment and retraction, reduces wear on internal parts, and minimizes the risk of failure due to debris, making the knife easier to use and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
A blade spring connects the front slider arm to the rear slider arm
Implementation Method 2
A front lock spring biases the front lock towards the front leg and a rear lock spring biases the rear lock towards the rear leg
Data Source
AI summary
An out-the-front knife comprises a handle having a blade channel, a slider channel, and an insert channel interposed between them. A blade in the blade channel and a firing mechanism in the slider channel configured to extend and retract the blade. The blade comprising a blade insert configured to contact the firing mechanism. The firing mechanism comprises a front slider arm, a rear slider arm, a front lock, and a rear lock. When the blade is in the open position, the blade insert is biased against the front slider arm and the front lock and when the blade is in the closed position, the blade insert is biased against the rear slider arm and the rear lock.