Push-Button Articulated Spring for Reliable Folding Knife Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding knives with spring-assisted blade deployment mechanisms lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for automatic opening and locking, particularly in dual operation modes, leading to inconsistent performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A dual bifurcated spring mechanism is employed in a folding knife, where the spring engages both handle frames and the blade transversely, storing energy for automatic deployment and locking in a locked open position, with a release button for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-assisted blade deployment mechanism is used, then the blade can be deployed automatically, but the mechanism lacks reliable and efficient automatic opening and locking in dual operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is divided into two separate springs (first spring and second spring), each engaged with different components of the blade assembly. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each spring's function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The blade deployment mechanism transitions from static to dynamic operation through the spring-assisted system. The springs provide dynamic force during blade deployment, enabling automatic opening while the locking mechanism provides dynamic locking during operation, ensuring reliable performance in dual operation modes
2Use of energy by moving object
If a single spring mechanism is used for blade deployment, then the structure is simpler, but the energy transfer to the blade is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transfer system is segmented into two springs working in coordination. The first spring engages the blade tang while the second spring engages the blade body, allowing energy to be transferred through multiple contact points simultaneously, improving overall energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The two spring mechanisms are combined to work together in unison during blade deployment. Their forces are merged to provide sufficient energy transfer to overcome friction and inertia, ensuring efficient and reliable blade opening while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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
The dual bifurcated spring mechanism ensures consistent and reliable automatic opening and locking of the blade, providing a smooth transition from closed to fully open positions, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring actuated blades deploying the blade to an open useful full extended position automatically after release
Implementation Method 2
the engaged spring propels the hinge blade outwardly to open locked use position
Data Source
AI summary
A folding knife with a push button automatic open spring configuration to propel the pivoted knife blade outwardly from between the support handle frames. A bifurcated compound spring configuration has a transverse blade engagement portion and a pair of returning integral handle engagement arms against which the spring is compressed when in closed folded position within the handle. The bifurcated spring exerts opening force on the blade when the blade is released to a full open use position.