Switchblade Slider Uniform Thickness and Nested Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double action switchblades require precise manufacturing tolerances, increasing costs and size due to the need for precise clearances between internal components, which complicates manufacturing and repair.
Innovation Solution
A switchblade design with a slider having a uniform thickness and internal components arranged to allow for one-handed operation without precise machining, featuring a casing with a cavity, a blade, an actuator, and spring-connected operators and locks that enable deployment and retraction in a smaller casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional double action switchblade design with precise clearances is used, then operational reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the slider from precise clearances to uniform thickness. By specifying that the slider has a uniform thickness rather than requiring precise clearance dimensions, the manufacturing precision requirement is reduced while maintaining the functional clearance through the uniform thickness design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the internal components (front operator, rear operator, spring, locks) and arranges them in a compact configuration within the casing. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances while assembling to achieve the required functional clearances, reducing the need for precise machining of individual components.
2Reliability
If conventional arrangement of slider, operators, spring, and locks is used, then functional reliability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the internal components (front operator, rear operator, spring, front lock, rear lock) within the casing in a compact, space-efficient arrangement. The components are positioned to utilize the available volume optimally, with the spring connecting the operators and locks arranged to engage the blade at appropriate positions, achieving functional reliability in a reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the internal components in a three-dimensional configuration within the casing, utilizing vertical and lateral spaces efficiently. The front and rear operators, spring, and locks are positioned in different spatial dimensions to achieve the required functional clearances without increasing the overall casing volume.
3Reliability
If precise manufacturing tolerances are applied to slider, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing specification from precise clearance tolerances to uniform thickness specification. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process as uniform thickness is easier to control and manufacture compared to achieving precise clearance dimensions, while still ensuring adequate functional clearance through the uniform thickness design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent design allows for the use of standard manufactured components with conventional tolerances rather than requiring precision-machined parts. This approach enables the use of more economical manufacturing processes and standard parts, reducing production costs and improving ease of manufacture while maintaining adequate functional performance.
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
This design reduces manufacturing and repair costs while maintaining the functionality of conventional switchblades in a smaller size, simplifying manufacturing and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connects the front operator to the rear operator
Data Source
AI summary
A switchblade includes a casing that defines a cavity. A blade having a cutting edge has a retracted position in which the cutting edge is inside the cavity and a deployed position in which the cutting edge is outside of the cavity. An actuator is slidably engaged with the casing. A slider inside the cavity defines a tab on a first side of the slider and engaged with the actuator and front and rear sloped surfaces on a second side of the slider. A front operator and a rear operator are inside the cavity, and a spring connects the front operator to the rear operator. A front lock on the second side of the slider inside the cavity is engaged with the blade in the deployed position. A rear lock on the second side of the slider inside the cavity is engaged with the blade in the retracted position.