Convex Segmented Cutting Edge for Low-Force Material Severing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require users to exert significant force to sever a line of material at a desired point, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A material dispenser with a cutting member having a convex cutting edge and a tear-assist unit that initiates cuts by pulling the line of material against the cutting member, reducing the force required for cutting, and a sensing unit that detects user input to trigger the tear-assist unit to drive the line in reverse against the cutting member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user pulls the line of material against a cutting member to sever it, then the line can be separated into portions, but the user must exert significant force which is cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of severing materialVSAvoidcutting force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge is segmented into multiple discrete cutting elements (teeth) arranged along the convex curve. Instead of requiring one user to pull against an entire cutting edge simultaneously, the segmented design allows the cutting action to be distributed across multiple elements that engage the material sequentially, reducing the force any single point must withstand and making the severing action easier to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting edge is formed with a convex curve rather than a straight edge. This curvature allows the cutting elements to engage the material in a progressive sequence as the material is pulled against the cutting member, rather than all at once. The curved geometry distributes the cutting force over time and space, reducing peak forces required and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If a straight cutting edge is used, then the structure is simple, but the cutting action requires all cutting points to engage simultaneously requiring high force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting member structureVSAvoidsimultaneous cutting force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge is formed with a convex curve rather than a straight edge. This curvature allows the cutting elements to engage the material in a progressive sequence as the material is pulled against the cutting member, rather than all at once. The curved geometry distributes the cutting force over time and space, reducing peak forces required and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting edge is segmented into multiple discrete cutting elements (teeth) arranged along the convex curve. Instead of requiring one user to pull against an entire cutting edge simultaneously, the segmented design allows the cutting action to be distributed across multiple elements that engage the material sequentially, reducing the force any single point must withstand and making the severing action easier to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If manual pulling against a cutting member is used, then no additional mechanisms are needed, but the process is inefficient and requires excessive user effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesevering efficiencyVSAvoiduser effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge is segmented into multiple discrete cutting elements (teeth) arranged along the convex curve. Instead of requiring one user to pull against an entire cutting edge simultaneously, the segmented design allows the cutting action to be distributed across multiple elements that engage the material sequentially, reducing the force any single point must withstand and making the severing action easier to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting edge is formed with a convex curve rather than a straight edge. This curvature allows the cutting elements to engage the material in a progressive sequence as the material is pulled against the cutting member, rather than all at once. The curved geometry distributes the cutting force over time and space, reducing peak forces required and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11241858B2Tear-assist blade

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 PREGIS LLC

AI summary

A material dispenser having a dispensing member configured to dispense a line of the material along a path in a downstream direction, and a cutting member having a cutting edge extending generally downstream with respect to the path. The cutting member having a convex shape across the path, such that the cutting edge engages and sequentially initiates cuts through the line of material when the line of material is pulled against the cutting member, thereby minimize cutting forces.