Pivotable Knife Blade With Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding knives lack a reliable mechanism for secure and efficient transition between extended and retracted positions, often requiring manual effort and lacking ergonomic features for specific cutting tasks.
Innovation Solution
A knife design featuring a pivotable blade with a first and second locking member, actuated by a push button, allowing seamless movement between extended and retracted positions, and incorporating ergonomic features like recesses and cutting edges suited for various materials and tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking member is used to retain the blade, then the mechanism is simpler, but the blade cannot be securely retained in both extended and retracted positions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking members: a first locking member for retaining the blade in the extended position and a second locking member for retaining the blade in the retracted position. This segmentation allows each locking member to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring reliable blade retention in both positions while maintaining reasonable mechanical simplicity.
2Device complexity
If manual effort is required to move the blade between positions, then the mechanism is simpler, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The push button mechanism enables the user to easily actuate both locking members simultaneously with a single pressing action. The button is biased by a spring and connects to both locking members, allowing automatic engagement/disengagement of both locks when the button is pressed, significantly improving ease of operation compared to manual manipulation of separate locking mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the blade is fully retracted into the handle, then storage is more compact, but the transition mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to pivot and nest within the handle when in the retracted position. The handle is configured with sufficient internal volume to accommodate the folded blade, and the locking mechanism ensures the blade remains securely positioned within the handle during storage, achieving compact storage without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A knife includes a handle, a blade including a cutting edge and coupled to the handle so that the blade can pivot about a pivot point relative to the handle between an extended position and a retracted position. The knife further includes a first locking member configured to selectively retain the blade in the extended position and movable to allow the pivotal movement of the blade from the extended position to the retracted position. The knife also includes a second locking member configured to selectively retain the blade in the retracted position and movable to allow the pivotal movement of the blade from the retracted position to the extended position. The knife also includes a push button that is movable relative to the handle, the push button operable to move the second locking member to allow the pivotal movement of the blade from the retracted position to the extended position.