Utility Knife Multi-Tool Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-tools lack a reliable and efficient locking mechanism for pivotable tools, which limits their versatility and ease of use, as they often require manual adjustment and do not provide secure locking positions for various operational angles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tool with a releasable lock assembly featuring spring-biased buttons that selectively allow pivoting movement of tools among multiple locking positions, ensuring secure engagement and easy operation by disengaging locking tabs from recesses when the buttons are in the release position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure pivotable tools in multiple positions, then the stability and reliability of the tool are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking actuators, buttons, tabs, and recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage locking tabs with locking recesses without requiring manual intervention. The spring-biased buttons automatically return to the locking position after being pressed, and the locking tabs automatically engage with recesses when the pivotable tool reaches a locked position, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into modular components: multiple independent locking actuators (buttons), locking tabs, and locking recesses distributed at different positions. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the overall complex system manageable and easier to manufacture with standardized parts
2Ease of operation
If spring-biased buttons are used to control locking actuators, then the ease of operation is improved by providing automatic return to locking position, but the device complexity increases due to additional springs and actuator mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased buttons automatically return to the locking position after being pressed, eliminating the need for users to manually reset the locking mechanism. The springs provide continuous biasing force that automatically engages the locking tabs with recesses, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational steps
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded to provide continuous biasing force on the buttons toward the locking position. This preliminary action ensures that the locking mechanism is always ready to engage, and the buttons naturally return to the locking position after being released, preparing the system for the next operation without additional user input
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 solution provides a user-friendly and versatile multi-tool with secure locking positions for pivotable tools, allowing for efficient use in various orientations, enhancing usability and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the second button is biased into the second-button locking position by the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool 10 comprising a housing 20 ; a slidable blade assembly 30 configured to slidably move between a first position and a second position, the slidable blade assembly including a blade 60, wherein the blade is stored within the housing when the slidable blade assembly is in the first position, and wherein the blade has at least a portion thereof extending outwardly from the housing when the slidable blade assembly is in the second position; a pivotable tool 80 pivotally movable relative to the housing, the pivotable tool configured to pivotably move among a plurality of pivotable tool locking positions including a first pivotable tool locking position where a work end of the pivotable tool is received adjacent to the housing; a second pivotable tool locking position where the pivotable tool extends from the housing in a fully extended position; and a third pivotable tool locking position intermediate the first and second pivotable tool locking positions; and a releasable lock assembly 150 arranged to selectively lock the pivotable tool in the first, second, or third pivotable tool locking positions.