Cutting Device Linkage Mechanism for Precise Clamping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting devices, particularly those with stepping motors, face challenges in downsizing while maintaining the ability to adjust the load for clamping objects, which affects their efficiency and size constraints.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device utilizing a DC motor with a rotating member and an elastic member to adjust the load by rotating the cutting blade between separated, clamping, and contact positions, allowing for precise control of the clamping force through the rotation of the DC motor and elastic deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a stepping motor is used to adjust the clamping load, then the clamping force can be controlled, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the stepping motor (electromechanical system) with a spring mechanism (purely mechanical system). The spring 235 provides elastic force that urges the link member 220 to rotate, thereby controlling the clamping force through mechanical means rather than electrical actuation. This substitution eliminates the need for a large stepping motor while maintaining clamping force control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the clamping force by changing the rotational position of the link member 220, which alters the amount of elastic deformation of the spring 235. By adjusting the rotation angle of the link member between the separated rotation position and contact rotation position, the clamping force parameter can be varied without requiring a large motor, thus reducing device size while maintaining force control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the cutting blade moves through a longer path from separated position to contact position via clamping position, then cutting precision improves, but the time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcutting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by having the link member 220 rotate back and forth between the separated rotation position and contact rotation position. The spring 235 continuously urges the link member to return to the separated position after cutting, enabling rapid cyclic operation. This periodic motion allows the cutting blade to follow the precise path (separated → clamping → contact → separated) repeatedly without manual intervention, improving both precision and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring 235 provides self-service by automatically urging the link member 220 to rotate from the contact rotation position back to the separated rotation position after the cutting action is completed. This eliminates the need for an additional motor or actuator to reset the cutting blade, reducing device complexity and enabling faster cycle times while maintaining the precise cutting path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables a downsized cutting device that can accurately adjust the clamping load, diversify cutting methods, and improve the precision of cutting operations, while reducing the driving force required, thus enhancing the device's efficiency and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member provided on the first rotating member... the second rotating member being configured to increase an amount of elastic deformation of the elastic member and urge the first rotating member in the specified direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3075500B1Cutting device and printer
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP3075500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cutting mechanism (100) includes a receiving block (180), a cutting blade (275), a link member (220), and a cam portion (215). A tube is arranged on the receiving block (180). The link member (220) causes the cutting blade to move from a clamping position to a contact position by the link member (220) rotating from a clamping rotation position to a contact rotation position. The cam portion (215) causes the link member (220) to rotate from the clamping rotation position to the contact rotation position by the cam portion (215) rotating from a first intermediate rotation position to a first final rotation position. When the cam portion (215) rotates to the first intermediate rotation position, a pressing pin (215A) of the cam portion (215) presses a first arm portion (231) of a torsion spring (235) provided on the link member (220).