Retractable Knife Pocket Clip With Flush Locking Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pocket clips on knives create bulk, discomfort, and aesthetic concerns due to their permanent protrusion, and are susceptible to damage and loss of spring tension over time.
Innovation Solution
A retractable pocket clip assembly with a pivotally mounted clip that can move between a retracted and extended position, utilizing a carrier, locking mechanism, and detent system to maintain flush positioning when not in use and secure attachment when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fixed pocket clip is used, then the knife can be securely retained in a pocket, but the clip creates bulk and discomfort due to permanent protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket clip is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions through a pivot mechanism. The clip extends when needed for secure retention and retracts when not in use, dynamically adapting its profile to eliminate bulk while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip structure allows the clip body to nest within or alongside the knife handle when retracted, and deploy outward when extended. This nesting capability enables the clip to maintain a compact profile during storage while providing full retention function when activated.
2Reliability
If a fixed extended clip position is used, then retention function is maintained, but the clip is susceptible to damage and loss of spring tension over time
Solution Approach 1:
The clip transitions from a static extended position to a dynamic system that can retract and re-extend. This reduces continuous stress on the spring mechanism and clip mounting points, extending the operational lifespan and maintaining spring tension durability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction mechanism provides a protective function by moving the clip away from high-stress positions during storage and transport, preventing premature wear and damage to the clip structure and spring tension before they are needed.
3Shape
If a retractable clip mechanism is implemented, then bulk and aesthetics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable clip system is divided into separate functional modules: the clip body, the pivot mechanism, the carrier, and the locking system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining the retractable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as an intermediary component between the handle and the clip, providing a movable mounting structure that enables retraction without requiring direct integration into the handle. This intermediary simplifies the connection mechanism and reduces overall complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the clip is made retractable, then user comfort is improved, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the clip's position. The detent system provides self-locking functionality that requires minimal user input, maintaining comfort while reducing the operational complexity of the locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent system provides tactile feedback to indicate the clip's position state (extended or retracted). This feedback mechanism simplifies the locking system by using mechanical interlocking rather than complex electronic or hydraulic locking systems.
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 retractable clip assembly provides enhanced durability, consistent spring force, and improved aesthetics by eliminating bulk and snagging, while maintaining secure retention and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
one or more mounted springs configured to bias the clip toward a closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
a carrier spring configured to bias the at least one locking ball into engagement with at least one recess in the handle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a retractable pocket clip assembly comprising a handle and a clip pivotally mounted to a carrier via a pivot pin and configured to pivot relative to the handle. The carrier is movably mounted to the handle and configured to move between retracted and extended positions. The assembly includes mounting springs configured to bias the clip toward a closed configuration and a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the carrier between the retracted and extended positions. The locking mechanism comprises at least one locking ball and a carrier spring, with the carrier spring configured to bias the locking ball into engagement with at least one recess in the handle. The carrier moves from the retracted position to the extended position in response to force applied to an interior side of the clip.