Utility Knife Blade Locking via Integrated Handle Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility knives require a separate blade holder and thumb mechanism for adjusting the blade position, which complicates the design and increases the number of parts, making them less compact and more expensive.
Innovation Solution
A compact utility knife design where the handle allows the user to manually extend and retract the blade by pressing against its side, with blade stops that lock the blade at various positions, eliminating the need for a separate blade holder and thumb mechanism, and utilizing a biasing member to apply lateral force for locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate blade holder and thumb mechanism are used to adjust blade position, then the blade can be securely locked at different positions, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blade holder and thumb mechanism functions into the handle structure itself. The handle includes integrated blade stops that engage with the blade at different positions, eliminating the need for separate blade holder and thumb mechanism components while maintaining secure blade locking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support, incorporates blade stops for positioning, and includes a release mechanism within the grip area. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the utility knife
2Reliability
If a separate blade holder and thumb mechanism are used, then the blade can be adjusted and locked, but the weight and size of the knife increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the blade holder and thumb mechanism functions into the handle structure with integrated blade stops, the overall mass of the utility knife is reduced. The handle serves as both the gripping structure and the blade positioning mechanism, eliminating redundant components that would add weight
3Reliability
If a separate blade holder and thumb mechanism are used, then the blade can be securely positioned, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated handle design with built-in blade stops reduces the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification of the component count directly reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly operations while maintaining reliable blade positioning through the integrated stops
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed as a multi-functional component that provides structural support, blade positioning through integrated stops, and user interaction through the grip area. This consolidation of functions into a single component reduces the overall part count and manufacturing 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 easy adjustment of the blade position with one hand, reduces the number of parts and construction costs, and results in a lightweight, compact, and economically constructed utility knife.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that applies a lateral force against a second side of the knife blade to bias the knife blade against the first side of the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A utility knife that includes a handle having a blade slot, and a knife blade slidably housed in the blade slot. The knife blade is configured to extend and retract longitudinally from a blade slot opening of the blade slot. A first side of the handle includes a blade adjustment opening that exposes a first side of the knife blade to extend and retract the knife blade. A second side of the handle includes a biasing member that applies a lateral force against a second side of the knife blade to bias the knife blade against the first side of the handle. The first side of the handle includes one or more blade stops that engage the knife blade when biased against the first side of the handle to lock the knife blade at a selectable position.