Pivoting Cutting Blade Axial Lock Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools with pivoting blades, such as electric secateurs, require multiple tools and meticulous handling for blade changes, making it difficult and often impractical to perform blade replacements in the field, especially in challenging environments like winter vineyards.

Innovation Solution

A blade holding device with a cam pivot and a blade drive mechanism, featuring an axial lock with form complementarity and a manual tightening axial lock, allows for tool-free blade changes and adjustments, ensuring secure clamping without the risk of parts being lost or loosened.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional blade holding devices with multiple fastening components are used, then the blade can be securely held, but the blade change process requires multiple tools and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade change processVSAvoidnumber of fastening components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking component performs both securing and releasing functions, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, washers, and adjustment components. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of parts and tools required for blade changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user's hand without requiring external tools. The component includes ergonomic features that allow gripping and manual manipulation, enabling the user to perform blade changes independently and quickly in the field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional blade holding devices are used, then the blade can be secured, but small parts are difficult to handle and likely to be lost during disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade retentionVSAvoidhandling of small parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple small fastening components (fasteners, washers, clips) are merged into a single integrated locking component. This eliminates the risk of losing individual small parts during disassembly, as there is only one substantial component to handle rather than multiple small pieces that can easily be misplaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design favors a durable, permanent locking component over temporary or easily lost small parts. The locking mechanism is designed to remain attached to the tool body, preventing it from being lost during blade changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If traditional blade holding devices are used, then the blade can be held in place, but blade changes cannot be performed quickly in the field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade change speedVSAvoidnumber of tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed for direct manual operation without requiring external tools. The user can quickly release and resecure the blade using only their hands, dramatically increasing the speed of blade changes in the field and eliminating tool retrieval time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is extracted from the blade assembly itself and integrated into the tool body, allowing the blade to be quickly detached and reattached without disassembling or manipulating multiple components. This separation of the locking function from the blade improves change speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional blade holding devices are used, then the blade can be secured, but adjustment of clamping clearance requires additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping clearance adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism includes integrated adjustment capabilities that can be operated directly by the user's hand. The user can manually adjust the clamping clearance by manipulating the locking component itself, eliminating the need for separate adjustment tools and simplifying the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3277072B1Device for holding a pivoting cutting blade
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 PELLENC SA
  • EP3277072B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3277072B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3277072B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for holding a cutting blade (30) having a cam (36), comprising a blade pivot pin (34) for mounting the cutting blade (30) in a pivoting manner on a cutting tool (10), and a cam pivot pin (40) connected to a driving mechanism of the blade (38), a first pivot pin chosen from the blade pivot pin (34) and the cam pivot pin (40) being provided with a matching-shape axial lock. In accordance with the invention: - the other pivot pin is provided with a manually tightened axial lock, - the device comprises a catch (50) having a first end (50) with a latch (72) able to be engaged with and held on the first pivot pin by matching shapes, and a second end able to be engaged with and held on the pivot pin provided with the manually tightened axial lock.