Rotating OTF Knife Lock Mechanism With Dual-Position Blade Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional OTF knife designs often involve complex mechanisms with numerous moving parts, leading to manufacturing complications, increased costs, and reliability issues due to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified rotating lock mechanism for OTF knives using a rotatable element connected to the blade's tang, which engages with profiles in the handle to secure the blade in open and closed positions, utilizing a rotatable lock with multiple engagement features and a thrust mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional complex mechanisms with numerous moving parts are used, then the blade locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and blade retention into a single integrated lock mechanism that rotates to engage with the tang. This merges multiple functions (locking in open position, locking in closed position, and blade retention) into one unified component system, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining reliable blade securing in both positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the blade in the open position, locks the blade in the closed position, and works with the thrust mechanism for blade deployment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for each position, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If complex arrangements of springs, bars, and multiple locking components are used, then the blade securing function is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple securing functions into unified components. The single lock mechanism with its rotation feature combines what would traditionally require separate locking components for open and closed positions. The thrust mechanism integrates spring, bar, and locking elements into a coordinated system that moves as one unit, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable blade securing.
3Reliability
If numerous moving parts are used, then the blade locking function is achieved, but the loss of time for assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of moving parts by merging multiple functions into fewer components. The single rotating lock mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate locking components. This reduction in part count directly decreases assembly time and maintenance requirements while preserving the reliable locking function through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A knife includes a handle, a blade, and a lock rotatable to selectively lock the blade in the open position and selectively lock the blade in the closed position. The handle has a first locking surface and a second locking surface. The lock is rotatably supported upon a tang of the blade. The lock includes a protrusion having a first surface and a second surface. Rotation of the lock in the open position engages the first surface of the protrusion with the first locking surface of the handle to lock the blade in the open position. Rotation of the lock in the closed position engages the second surface of the protrusion with the second locking surface of handle to lock the blade in the closed position.