Coupling Assembly for Circular Blade Safety Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch arrangements for circular knives driven by flexible drive shafts have complex structures and require additional locking elements for safe shutdown, making them difficult to separate from the drive shaft safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A clutch arrangement with a simple structure that uses a pivotable lever and spring mechanism to securely connect and disconnect the drive shaft from the knife, ensuring safe shutdown and easy separation from the drive shaft without tools, by engaging and disengaging the drive train based on operator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clutch arrangement with additional locking elements is used to ensure safe shutdown, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety clutch mechanism with the existing lever (13) and spring (19) elements already present in the handle assembly. The lever serves dual functions: as an actuating element for drive train interruption and as part of the clutch engagement mechanism. By integrating these functions into existing components rather than adding separate locking elements, the patent achieves safe shutdown capability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the drive shaft, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring (19) that automatically returns the lever (13) to its initial position after the drive shaft is detached. This self-returning mechanism eliminates the need for manual resetting or complex disengagement procedures. The operator simply needs to press the lever to engage the clutch and separate the drive shaft, and the spring automatically resets the mechanism, making the operation simple and intuitive while maintaining safety.
3Productivity
If frequent knife changes are enabled, then productivity is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the operator to actively press the lever (13) to engage the clutch mechanism before the circular knife (10) can rotate. This preliminary action ensures that the drive train is intentionally activated only when the operator is ready and the knife is properly positioned. The spring (19) maintains the lever in a disengaged position by default, creating a fail-safe system where accidental rotation is prevented. This approach enables frequent knife changes while maintaining safety by requiring deliberate operator action for each engagement.
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 safe and efficient means to disconnect the rotating blade from the drive shaft, preventing injuries and allowing quick knife changes and maintenance, while maintaining high functional reliability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (19) acting on its shorter leg (17), which presses the lever (13) if it is not pressed with a force F in the direction of the arrows T+ or T-
Data Source
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AI summary
The coupling assembly has a handle (3) comprising a tubular housing that is attached to a head (7) of circular blade (10). An articulated lever (13) is provided for engaging and disengaging a drive shaft (11) from head of circular blade. The lever is provided with a first locking cam (57) for maintaining the operating function, and a second detent cam (59) for holding and releasing drive shaft of handle. USE : Coupling assembly for circular knife used for meat processing such as meat boning, and seam ripping of meat from fat and tendons. ADVANTAGE : The coupling assembly is simple in structure and high in reliability. Since second detent cam is provided for holding and releasing drive shaft of handle, the cleaning, maintenance and replacement or blade can be performed easily in simple manner. The operation of the circular blade is done easily by pushing the drive shaft and by pressing the lever to handle. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a longitudinal sectional view of the handle and blade in operating position. 3 : Handle 7 : Head 10 : Circular blade 11 : Drive shaft 13 : Articulated lever 57 : First locking cam 59 : Second detent cam.