Retractable Attachment Clip and Implement Lock for Foldable Hand Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable hand tools face issues with locking mechanisms that are not easily activated, can unexpectedly unlock, and have retractable clips that either clamp too tightly or become detached, leading to inconvenience and potential loss of the tool.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool assembly with a retractable clip that can be secreted into the handle, providing a flush grip, and a locking mechanism that can withstand user exertion, allowing easy activation and secure maintenance of the extended configuration, while the clip can be extended or retracted as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable clip is coupled to the foldable hand tool, then the tool becomes easily accessible and can be carried without a sheath, but the clip may clamp down too tightly damaging the object or become released causing loss of the tool
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is designed to dynamically adjust its engagement state between retracted and extended positions. The spring mechanism enables the clip to automatically extend when pressure is applied and retract when the tool is inserted, providing both secure attachment and easy accessibility without damaging the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides tactile feedback to the user about the clip's engagement state. When the clip is extended, it applies controlled pressure to secure the tool; when retracted, it allows easy insertion. This feedback loop ensures reliable attachment while preventing excessive clamping force.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to lock the tool implement into extended configuration, then the tool remains secure during use, but the mechanism may become unlocked unexpectedly or fail at inopportune moments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a locking arm that engages with a locking surface, a spring that maintains engagement force, and a release mechanism that disengages the locking arm. This segmentation allows the system to maintain secure locking during normal use while enabling easy manual release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism automatically maintains engagement and provides self-locking functionality during normal use. The user only needs to apply minimal force to the release mechanism to disengage the locking arm, making the system both secure during operation and easy to release when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clip is positioned on the spine or back of the knife, then the clip can be extended for attachment, but the orientation is counter to traditional orientation and provides undesirable grip
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the clip on the traditional spine or back of the knife, the invention inverts the orientation by placing the clip on the handle portion. This inversion allows the clip to extend in a direction that provides a natural and comfortable grip for the user, while still maintaining full attachment capability to objects like pockets or belts.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool assembly having a foldable implement, such as a blade, and a retractable attachment clip having an actuator is disclosed. A retracting assembly may be coupled to the attachment clip; the hand tool assembly may include a rotatable cam assembly comprising a rotatable cam coupled to a rotatable cam arm having a lifter; the rotatable cam may be coupled to the implement; the rotatable cam may have an off-center rotational axis; when a user rotates the implement, the rotatable cam may also be rotated, causing the position of the lifter to be moved a distance, thereby causing movement of the actuator of the attachment clip thereby actuating movement of the extendable, retractable attachment clip; the foldable hand tool may include a locking assembly having a spine having lug element and a first tooth configured to detachably mate with a first tooth-receiving slot of the implement.