Utility Knife Lockable Blade Carrier Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility knives lack a mechanism for a blade that can be selectively locked in an extended position while maintaining automatic retraction, posing safety concerns and limiting user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A utility knife design featuring a selectively-extendable and automatically-retractable blade with a sliding actuator, ergonomic housing, and a lockable blade carrier, allowing the blade to be locked in an extended configuration and safely retracted with controlled speed, incorporating additional tools and features like a belt clip, screwdriver tips, and a compass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blade is made automatically retractable using spring tension, then safety is improved by automatic retraction, but the blade cannot be locked in an extended position when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The blade carrier is designed with a deflectable portion that can dynamically change position between locked and unlocked states. This deflectable portion engages with indexing features on the housing to provide selective locking at different positions (fully retracted, partially extended, fully extended), while the spring provides automatic retraction when not locked. The system transitions between static locked positions and dynamic retraction motion.
2Ease of operation
If the blade is extended from the housing, then cutting functionality is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to exposure to the extended blade
Solution Approach 1:
The blade carrier serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the blade. The user interacts with the actuator on the housing, not directly with the blade carrier or blade. The blade carrier automatically positions the blade at the required extension level when the actuator is moved, mediating the cutting function while minimizing direct user exposure to the sharp blade edge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If indexing positions are added to allow selective blade extension, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing interior is segmented with multiple indexing features (first indexing feature, second indexing feature, third indexing feature) that correspond to different blade extension positions. The blade carrier also has corresponding segmented locking positions. This segmentation allows the blade to be locked at discrete, predetermined positions (fully retracted, partially extended for different cutting depths, fully extended) without requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting complexity while providing versatility.
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
Enhances user safety by keeping hands away from the blade during deployment and retraction, provides comfort through ergonomic design, and offers versatility with integrated tools and features, ensuring the blade is securely stored when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
A spring interconnecting the housing and the blade carrier automatically retracts the blade upon actuator release. Spring tension may be such that when the blade is extended and inserted into the material being cut, e.g., cardboard, frictional influences between the blade and the material will maintain the blade in the extended position.
Implementation Method 2
Spring tension may be such that when the blade is extended and inserted into the material being cut, e.g., cardboard, frictional influences between the blade and the material will maintain the blade in the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility knife with a lockable blade is provided. The blade is selectively extended from a housing with a sliding mechanism. The blade is interconnected to a blade carrier that includes a portion configured to lock the blade in a deployed configuration. The blade carrier includes a deflectable portion that is selectively biased by the release button to unlock the blade from the deployed state. Spring force associated with a biasing member interconnected to the blade carrier draws the blade into the housing when the release button is dispersed.