Quick Change Snap Off Knife Slide Member Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility knives with snap-off blade assemblies can be cumbersome to maintain, as replacing the blade assembly requires manual disengagement and re-engagement, which is not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A utility knife design featuring a slide member with a bias member to maintain engagement and an actuator to move the slide member between locked and unlocked positions, allowing for easy release and re-engagement of the blade assembly, facilitating quick replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual disengagement mechanism is used for blade assembly replacement, then the device structure remains simple, but the blade replacement process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is designed with self-release functionality where the release actuator automatically disengages the blade assembly from the body when activated. The bias member automatically pushes the blade assembly to the release position, eliminating the need for manual disengagement steps and enabling quick blade replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly is designed with movable components including a slide member that can transition between locked and released positions, and a release actuator that moves between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic design allows rapid transition from locked to released state for quick blade replacement.
2Loss of time
If a quick release mechanism with multiple components is implemented, then blade replacement speed improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation lever and part of the locking mechanism. The slide member combines the blade assembly retention function with the release movement function. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining quick release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias member serves multiple purposes: it pushes the blade assembly to the release position for quick removal, and also maintains engagement when the blade assembly is properly installed. The slide member both retains the blade assembly and provides the release movement path. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly blade replacement by simplifying the process of disengaging and re-engaging the blade assembly, improving usability and reducing maintenance time.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member (24) constructed and arranged to bias the slide member (20) toward an engaged configuration wherein the blade assembly (22) is engaged to the sliding member (20) to prevent release therefrom
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A knife (10) having a body (12) and a slide member (20) slideable in the body. The slide member engages a blade assembly (22) that is arranged to move with the slide member. The slide member is movable to position the blade assembly at a position of use and a release position wherein the blade assembly can be released from the slide member. The slide member is movable to retract the blade assembly into the knife body. The knife also includes an actuator member (26) that can be actuated to move the slide member to a disengaged configuration wherein the blade assembly can be disengaged from the slide member to permit the release therefrom. The positioning of the blade assembly at the release position and subsequent movement of the slide member to the disengaged configuration by actuation of the actuator member releases the blade assembly from the slide member.