Slider Cartridge Self-Retained Assembly for Out-The-Front Knife
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing out-the-front knives with slider plates and catches face difficulties during assembly due to the catches sliding off or 'walking off' the slider plate, leading to cumbersome assembly and production delays.
Innovation Solution
A slider cartridge comprising a slider plate, a pair of opposing catches with protruding tabs, and at least one biasing element, where the catches are configured to be retained on the slider plate under the bias of the biasing element, forming a self-retained assembly that is manipulable in space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slider plate and catches assembly is used, then the knife blade can be deployed, but the catches have significant probability of sliding off the slider plate during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the assembly into two separable parts: a slider cartridge containing the slider plate and catches pre-assembled together, and the knife handle. The catches are retained on the slider plate within the cartridge, forming a self-retained assembly that can be manipulated independently before final installation, eliminating the risk of catches sliding off during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The catches are pre-assembled and retained on the slider plate within the slider cartridge before the cartridge is installed in the knife handle. This preliminary assembly ensures the catches are securely positioned on the slider plate in advance, preventing them from sliding off during the subsequent assembly of the complete knife.
2Ease of manufacture
If catches are retained on slider plate during assembly, then assembly becomes easier, but the assembly must be manipulable in space apart from handle and blade
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the slider plate and catches into a single integrated slider cartridge assembly. The catches are retained on the slider plate within the cartridge, combining these components into one manipulable unit that can be handled as a single piece during assembly, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider cartridge serves as an intermediary component between the knife handle and the blade deployment mechanism. It provides a self-retained assembly that can be manipulated in space independently, facilitating easier assembly while managing the complexity of the retention mechanism through a dedicated intermediate structure.
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 enhances manufacturability and ensures consistent operability by providing a self-retained slider cartridge that is easier to assemble and reduces the risk of disassembly during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing element, wherein the pair of opposing catches are configured to be retained on opposing ends of the slider plate under a bias of the at least one biasing element
Data Source
AI summary
A slider cartridge for an out-the-front knife and method of assembly is provided. The out-the-front knife includes a knife handle and a knife blade that is selectively deployable out of a front of the knife handle to move from a stowed position within the handle to a deployed position out of the handle. The slider cartridge includes a slider plate, a pair of opposing catches, and at least one biasing element. The pair of opposing catches are configured to be retained on opposing ends of the slider plate under a bias of the at least one biasing element in a self-retained assembly that is manipulable in space apart from the knife handle and the knife blade. The pair of catches further include opposing tabs that protrude outwardly from a center of the catch to assist in securing each respective catch to an opposing end of the slider plate.