Finger-Worn Safety Cutter Ring with Retractable Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility knives require two hands for operation, posing safety concerns and logistical issues due to the need for bracing, and are easily misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A finger-operated safety cutter ring with a ring-shaped body, blade receiver, and aperture design that allows the blade to project outward, enabling one-handed use and secure fit on the finger, minimizing the risk of bodily harm and knife displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a utility knife is used with one hand, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but safety deteriorates due to the need for bracing with the other hand which places the body in close proximity to the cutting line
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the knife handle with a ring structure that fits on the user's finger. This combination allows the knife to be operated with one hand while the ring portion secures to the finger, eliminating the need for bracing with the other hand and keeping the body away from the cutting line.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is nested within a retractable mechanism housed in the ring structure. The blade can be extended when needed and retracted into the ring body when not in use, providing safety by concealing the sharp edge and preventing accidental contact.
2Productivity
If a utility knife is kept readily available, then productivity is improved, but the risk of misplacement and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knife blade is nested within the ring structure, which itself fits on the user's finger. This nested arrangement ensures the knife remains securely attached to the user's person, eliminating the risk of misplacement or loss while maintaining ready availability for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves dual purposes: it functions as both the knife handle and a finger ring for secure attachment. The design inherently provides its own retention mechanism through the finger ring, eliminating the need for separate storage or attachment devices.
3Productivity
If the blade is exposed for cutting, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but safety deteriorates due to exposed sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable within the ring structure. It can be extended to the needed position for cutting operations and then retracted back into the ring body when not in use, providing safety by concealing the sharp edge and preventing accidental contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves as an intermediary between the user and the blade. It provides a controlled mechanism for blade extension and retraction, mediating the exposure of the sharp edge only when necessary for cutting while maintaining safety through the protective ring housing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a wearable cutting device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a cutting device that can be worn over the finger, so that simply by movement of the finger, cutting action may occur upon contact with a surface.