Separable Pocket Knife Body Portions Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunctional pocket knives lack a reliable and easy-to-use mechanism for separating and locking different knife portions, which can lead to accidental unlocking and increased size and weight due to separate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional pocket knife design featuring two body parts that can be easily separated without a separate locking mechanism, utilizing engaging lugs and a spring blade to secure and release the portions, preventing accidental unlocking and reducing overall size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking and unlocking mechanism is added to secure knife portions, then the reliability of keeping portions locked together is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the tool elements. The tool elements themselves serve as locking components that engage with corresponding features on the body portions, eliminating the need for a separate locking mechanism. This integration maintains reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool elements perform multiple functions: they serve as both functional tools and as locking components. When the tool elements are in their operational position, they automatically engage the locking features, providing both tool functionality and security without requiring additional dedicated locking components.
2Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental unlocking, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and size of the pocket knife increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is combined with the tool elements, which are already present in the knife. By using the tool elements as locking components, no additional weight is added for a separate locking mechanism, while still providing reliable prevention of accidental unlocking.
3Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is added to secure knife portions, then the locking reliability is improved, but the overall size of the pocket knife increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the tool elements that are already part of the knife structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional space-consuming locking components, maintaining compact size while ensuring reliable locking of the body portions.
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 solution allows for reliable separation and locking of knife portions, preventing accidental unlocking while minimizing space and weight, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring blade (213) arranged to engage with the protrusion (215) when the lateral plate (201) is in place in the first body portion (103), thereby locking the first body portion (103) and the second body portion (105) together
Data Source
AI summary
A pocket knife including a first body portion including a first engaging member, and a second body portion including a second engaging member arranged to engage the first body portion with the second body portion. The first body portion and the second body portion are separated from each other when not engaged. A tool element is arranged to be housed in the first body portion when in a closed state and displaced outward when in an opened state. A first locking member is arranged to be actuated by the tool element, and cooperates with a second locking member provided on the second body portion, and wherein when the first engaging member is engaged with the second engaging member, and when the first locking member and the second locking member are prevented from moving, the first body portion and the second body portion are prevented from being separated.