Removable-Blade Knife Assembly with Resilient Latch Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knives often require multiple types for different tasks, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency due to the fixed nature of blade attachments.
Innovation Solution
A knife design that allows for a blade assembly to be selectively connected and locked to a handle using a tang and retainer system with resilient latches and fulcrums, enabling easy interchangeability and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed blade attachment is used in knives, then the knife structure is simple and reliable, but the user must own multiple knives for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The knife is divided into separate functional components: a handle assembly and a blade assembly that can be independently removed and reattached. The blade assembly includes a tang that interfaces with the handle's tang receiver, allowing modular configuration for different tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The resilient latch system allows the blade to be securely attached during use and easily removed when task changes are needed, providing adaptability without permanent commitment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable blade system is implemented, then blade versatility is improved, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latches automatically engage with the tang receiver when the blade assembly is inserted, providing self-locking without requiring additional fastening steps. The system uses the insertion motion itself to compress the springs and trigger the locking action, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tang receiver acts as an intermediary component between the handle and blade assembly, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the connection. The receiver channels guide the tang into proper alignment and provide surfaces for the resilient latches to engage, reducing the complexity of direct blade-to-handle attachment.
3Reliability
If resilient latches are used for blade retention, then blade security is improved, but the mechanism requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention functions are combined into integrated components. The tang receiver simultaneously provides structural support, alignment guidance, and locking surfaces for the resilient latches. The blade assembly integrates the tang, blade, and retention features into a unified unit that simplifies the overall system.
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 versatile use of different blades with a single handle, providing convenience and flexibility in task-specific knife configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The first catch is resiliently movable with respect to the tang to move into locking engagement with the knife handle to lock the blade in an installed position on the knife handle
Data Source
AI summary
A knife comprising a handle and a blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a blade, a tang, and blade assembly connection structure. The handle includes a receiver configured to receive the tang, and includes handle connection structure. The blade assembly connection structure and handle connection structure are arranged to releasably lock the blade assembly in an installed position on the handle with the tang in the tang receiver.