Compact Utility Knife With Pivot Handle And Sliding Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility knives are cumbersome and large when not in use due to their long handle design, which provides leverage but lacks compactness and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A compact utility knife design featuring a pivotally-folding handle, a neck lock for locking handle positions, a sliding blade holder that can remain extended when the handle is closed, and a quick-release mechanism for blade access, allowing the blade to be exposed or protected without handle extension/retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is made long to provide leverage and grip space, then the cutting performance and user comfort are improved, but the knife becomes large and cumbersome when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The handle incorporates a telescopic mechanism that allows it to dynamically change length between extended and retracted positions. The handle includes inner and outer telescopic members that can slide relative to each other, enabling the handle to extend for comfortable cutting operations and retract for compact storage, thus resolving the contradiction between operational comfort and portability
2Ease of operation
If the blade holder is extended to expose the cutting edge, then the blade becomes accessible for use, but the knife size increases and becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder is nested within the handle structure, allowing it to slide in and out along the longitudinal axis of the handle. When retracted, the blade holder and blade are concealed within the handle, creating a compact form. When extended, the blade becomes accessible for cutting operations, thus enabling the knife to transition between compact storage and functional states without requiring a permanently extended structure
3Length of stationary object
If the handle is made compact for portability, then the knife becomes easy to store and carry, but there is insufficient space for hand grip and leverage application
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic handle mechanism allows the handle to dynamically adjust its length based on operational needs. During cutting operations, the handle extends to provide sufficient length for comfortable hand gripping and leverage application. During storage and transport, the handle retracts to a compact size for portability, thus eliminating the need to choose between compactness and operational comfort
4Ease of operation
If the blade is exposed for use, then cutting operations can be performed, but the cutting edge becomes vulnerable to damage and accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is nested within the blade holder, which itself is nested within the handle structure. This nested arrangement provides protective enclosure for the cutting edge during storage and transport, preventing accidental contact and damage. When cutting operations are required, the blade holder extends to expose the blade, thus providing both protection and functionality as needed
Data Source
AI summary
A utility knife includes a handle base and a neck connected to the handle base for pivotal movement relative to the handle base between a closed position and an open position. The knife also includes a utility blade holder slidingly carried by the neck for sliding movement relative to the neck between a retracted position and an extended position. A utility blade is carried by the blade holder such that movement of the utility blade holder between its extended and retracted positions moves the utility blade between an exposed position in which a cutting edge of the blade is exposed, and a protected position in which the cutting edge of the blade is protected by the neck.