Split Backspring Locking Mechanism for Folding Knife Blade Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding knives with conventional locking features, such as back locks and liner locks, pose safety risks due to inadvertent closure or opening, and are regulated in various jurisdictions, creating a need for a secure and legal folding knife design without these features.

Innovation Solution

A folding knife with a split backspring mechanism that uses a biased element to secure the blade in an open or closed position, eliminating the need for conventional locking features, providing visual, aural, or tactile feedback, and allowing the blade to return to a closed position without external release mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional locking features (back locks, liner locks) are used, then the blade is secured in open position, but inadvertent closure or opening can occur causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade position stabilityVSAvoidsafety risks from inadvertent closure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blade securing mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring biasing. The spring automatically engages the blade tang with the handle scale features to secure the blade in open position, and automatically returns the blade to closed position when force is applied, without requiring manual intervention or complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions from static locking features to dynamic spring-biased engagement. The spring-loaded tang features allow the blade to be securely held in open position through continuous spring force, while also allowing automatic return to closed position when sufficient force is applied, providing adaptive response to user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional locking features are used, then blade security is improved, but the knife may be prohibited or restricted under various laws and regulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade securityVSAvoidlegal compliance across jurisdictions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The design changes the fundamental parameter of blade retention from active locking mechanisms to passive spring-biased engagement. By eliminating traditional lock bars, liners, and framing mechanisms, the knife falls outside regulatory definitions of restricted knives while maintaining secure blade retention through spring-loaded tang engagement with handle scales.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If no blade retention means are used, then legal compliance is improved, but the product becomes potentially dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegal complianceVSAvoidproduct danger

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-biased mechanism provides automatic blade retention without requiring manual locking actions. The spring continuously applies force to engage the blade tang with the handle, securing the blade in open position and automatically returning it to closed position, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If spring-biased mechanism is used instead of conventional locks, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism complexityVSAvoidtang and scale feature alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the spring element, the blade tang features, and the handle scale features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, with the spring providing compliance that accommodates minor dimensional variations in the tang and scale features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 design ensures the blade is securely held in an open or closed position with minimal external force required to maintain the position, providing safety and compliance with regulations while being efficient and economical to produce.

Implementation Method 1

A folding knife with a split backspring mechanism that uses a biased element to secure the blade in an open or closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9592612B2Split spring locking feature for a folding tool

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 SPYDERCO INC

AI summary

A folding tool with improved locking features is provided. The locking feature comprises a substantially rigid member disposed between or proximal to a handle portion of the tool. The substantially rigid member comprises a bifurcated end forming at least one biased member for contacting a tang of the tool and securing the tool in at least one of a closed and an open position with additional locking features.