Multipurpose Cutting Tool With Rotatable Blades And Handles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multipurpose cutting tools often require multiple tools for various applications, leading to bulkiness and weight, and existing folding designs may not provide sufficient functionality and compactness while maintaining ruggedness.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible cutting tool with rotatable blades and handles, featuring serrated edges and multiple cutting nips, allowing for efficient cutting of different materials and compact storage, along with a locking mechanism for secure deployment and stowage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are carried for various cutting applications, then functionality and versatility are improved, but weight and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cutting tools with different functions into a single integrated device. The tool includes a first blade for one type of cutting and a second blade for another type of cutting, both integrated into the same handle assembly. This merging of multiple separate tools into one reduces the total weight and bulk while maintaining versatility across different cutting applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool is designed with multi-functional capability through inclusion of different blade types that can perform various cutting tasks. The first and second blades are configured to handle different material types or cutting requirements, making the single tool universal enough to replace multiple specialized tools, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are carried for various cutting applications, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device size and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidbulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a cutting tool is designed to be foldable for compact storage, then device size is reduced, but structural integrity and ruggedness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesizeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool incorporates a folding mechanism that allows the blade to rotate between a stowed position (reducing size for compact storage) and a deployed position (providing full functionality). The dynamic design enables the tool to transition between compact and operational states while maintaining structural integrity through proper hinge design and locking mechanisms that ensure the blade remains secure during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If a folding mechanism is added to reduce size, then compactness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesizeVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10569434B2Multipurpose cutting tool

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 LEATHERMAN TOOL GROUP INC

AI summary

A cutting tool is provided which may include a first blade and a second blade rotatably coupled to the first blade. The cutting tool may include a first handle rotatably coupled to the first blade, the first handle rotatable between a deployed position and a folded position, and a second handle rotatably coupled to the second blade, the second handle rotatable between a deployed position and a folded position. The cutting tool may also include a first rotation lock configured to hold the first handle fixed relative to the first blade. The first handle may be configured to be rotatable relative to the first blade in response to the first rotation lock being disengaged. The first rotation lock may be configured to be held in the disengaged position in response to the first handle being disposed between the deployed position and the folded position.