Utility Knife Blade Track Pivoting and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility knives lack the ability to provide variable blade positions and fold into a carrying position, limiting their versatility and safety during use.
Innovation Solution
A utility knife with a blade track system that allows the blade to pivot and lock into multiple positions, enabling configurations for chopping and scraping, and fold back into the handle for safe transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blade is fixed in a single position, then the结构简单 (structure is simple), but the versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed to be dynamically repositionable along the blade track, transitioning between multiple locked positions (fully extended, retracted, and intermediate positions) to provide variable cutting angles and lengths, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The blade track system is segmented into distinct positioning zones with locking mechanisms at each zone, allowing the blade to be independently positioned at different locations along the track, enabling versatile cutting configurations while maintaining a unified blade structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the blade is always exposed, then the cutting access is maximized, but the safety during transport and storage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blade employs a dynamic locking mechanism that allows it to be securely locked in a retracted position for safe transport and storage, while enabling quick deployment to fully extended or intermediate positions for cutting operations, thus balancing safety and operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The blade can be nested within the handle body when in the retracted position, with the blade track system providing a guided pathway that allows the blade to fold back into the handle for compact storage, eliminating exposure hazards during transport
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blade is made long for chopping, then the chopping capability is improved, but the control and precision for detailed work are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade length is dynamically adjustable along the blade track, allowing the user to extend the blade fully for chopping tasks requiring leverage and reach, while retracting it to shorter positions for precision work requiring better control and maneuverability, thus adapting blade length to task requirements
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 knife offers enhanced versatility with multiple functional positions, ensuring safe handling and efficient use for various tasks while allowing for secure storage when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
the blade is shiftable between a closed configuration, wherein the cutting/scraping edge is enclosed within the handle, to a first open configuration by rotating about the blade pivot point
Data Source
AI summary
A utility knife includes a handle having a blade track system with a pivot point and a blade mounted in the blade track system. The blade includes a cutting/scraping edge extending along a side of the blade. In an implementation, the blade is shiftable between a closed configuration, where the cutting/scraping edge is enclosed within the handle, to a first open configuration, where the blade extends longitudinally outward from an end of the handle. The shift between the closed and first open configurations can occur by rotating the blade about the pivot point and in the blade track system. Also, the blade is shiftable along the blade track system between the first open configuration and a second open configuration, where the blade is located towards another end of the handle such that the cutting/scraping edge extends downwards from a bottom of the handle.