Clip-Based Chip Receiver Attachment for Hedge Trimmers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing attaching structure for a chip receiver on hedge trimmers requires cumbersome operation and poses a risk of losing components, particularly due to the need to rotate a knob nut for attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A clip-based structure that allows easy attachment and detachment of the chip receiver by clamping the retaining board's side faces, utilizing chamfered faces and elastic deformation of clamping members, which can be facilitated with a lever, and can be made from metal wire for low-cost production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a knob nut and fixing screw structure is used to attach the chip receiver, then the attachment can be secured, but the operation becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is divided into multiple functional portions: clamping portions that engage with the retaining board side faces, a bridge portion connecting them, and a lever portion for operation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure attachment through simple clipping motion without complex knob nut operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clip utilizes elastic deformation of the clamping portions to dynamically adjust and maintain clamping force on the retaining board. The lever portion converts small input motion into the necessary elastic deformation, allowing easy attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a knob nut is used for attachment, then the chip receiver can be secured, but the risk of losing components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcomponent loss risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping portions are integrated directly into the clip structure as a unified component. The bridge portion connects the clamping portions to the lever portion, forming a single integrated clip assembly that attaches to the retaining board. This merging eliminates separate knob nuts and fixing screws, reducing the number of components that could be lost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clip is designed to be self-contained with all necessary attachment functionality integrated into the single component. The elastic clamping portions automatically engage with the retaining board side faces without requiring separate fasteners, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the risk of losing separate knob nuts or fixing screws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a fixed-structure clip is used, then the attachment is simple, but it cannot adapt to various hedge trimmer types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with various hedge trimmers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping portions are designed with elastic properties that allow them to dynamically adjust to different retaining board widths and configurations. The elastic deformation capability enables the same clip structure to adapt to various hedge trimmer types while maintaining simple attachment operation through the lever portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clip utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism, allowing the clamping portions to vary their shape and dimensions temporarily during attachment to accommodate different retaining board geometries. This parameter change enables universal compatibility across various hedge trimmer types while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If elastic deformation of clamping members is required, then the attachment can be secured, but more force is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddeformation force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lever portion is designed to efficiently convert small input forces into the necessary elastic deformation of the clamping portions. The lever mechanism provides mechanical advantage, reducing the force required from the user while still achieving secure attachment through elastic deformation of the clamping members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lever portion and clamping portions utilize curved geometries that facilitate elastic deformation with reduced force requirements. The curved design allows smoother deformation and recovery, reducing the peak forces needed compared to rigid angular structures, while still maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enhances usability by simplifying the attachment and detachment process, eliminating the risk of losing components and allowing compatibility with various hedge trimmer types, while reducing the force required for elastic deformation.

Implementation Method 1

the chip receiver can be attached to or detached from the retaining board by the simple operation of the clip... at least one of the retaining board and the clamping members may be provided with at least one chamfered face adapted to assist an elastic deformation of the at least one of the clamping members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1911344B1Structure for attaching chip receiver to hedge trimmer
Publication Date: 2012.08.22 MAKITA CORP
  • EP1911344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1911344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1911344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is disclosed a structure for mounting a chip receiver (11) to a blade section (3) extended forward from a main body of a hedge trimmer (1). A retaining board (4) retains movable blades of the blade section. A clip (18) is provided on the chip receiver and adapted to clamp the retaining board elastically and detachably.