Tool-Free Cutting Head Mounting via Segmented Hood

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brush cutters require specialized tools or professional assistance for changing the cutting head, making tool-free assembly and disassembly difficult and inconvenient for end users.

Innovation Solution

A portable working device with a cutting head mounted on an output shaft via a screw element and a pot-shaped hood, where the hood is held non-rotatably on the output shaft with a positive fit, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly by gripping surfaces and ribs, enabling manual detachment and attachment without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a press connection is used to mount the cutting head on the output shaft, then the cutting head is securely fastened, but the end user requires special tools and professional assistance for assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hood is divided into an inner area and an outer area with different functions. The inner area provides a frictional connection for secure fastening, while the outer area provides a gripping surface for user operation. This segmentation allows the same component to serve both secure attachment and easy user manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hood acts as an intermediary component between the cutting head and the output shaft. It provides the frictional connection for secure fastening while also providing a gripping surface for user operation. The hood mediates between the need for strong attachment and the need for easy user manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a nut is used to fasten the cutting head to the output shaft, then the cutting head is securely mounted, but the fastening and loosening process is cumbersome and requires dismantling the cutting head

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nut fastening mechanism is extracted and replaced with a friction-based press connection. The hood directly presses against the cutting head to provide secure fastening, eliminating the need for separate fastening components like nuts and the complex dismantling process they require.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The frictional connection between the hood and the cutting head provides self-service fastening. The user can directly manipulate the cutting head and hood for assembly and disassembly without requiring additional fastening components or complex procedures. The friction itself serves the fastening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the hood is made with a large radial width for structural integrity, then the hood is strong and rigid, but the gripping surface becomes less accessible and harder to reach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehood rigidityVSAvoidaccessibility of gripping surface
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hood has different radial widths in different areas to optimize both strength and accessibility. The inner area has a smaller radial width to provide accessibility for gripping, while the outer area has a larger radial width to provide structural integrity and rigidity. This local differentiation of dimensions resolves the contradiction between strength and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables quick, tool-free, and easy assembly and disassembly of the cutting head, reducing user complexity and the need for specialized tools, while maintaining secure attachment and preventing dirt ingress through sealing surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The cutting head is mounted on the output shaft by means of a screw element held non-rotatably on the cutting head and, in particular, held on the output shaft with a frictional connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The hood is held on the output shaft with a positive fit, glued or pressed against twisting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive fit: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3560313B1Arrangement for fixing a cutting head and portable tool with an arrangement for fixing a cutting head
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3560313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3560313B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3560313B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for attaching a cutting head to an output shaft of a motor-driven work device. The arrangement (1) comprises an output shaft (5), a cutting head (3), at least one cutting tool (4) arranged on the cutting head (3), and a cover (7). The cutting head (3) is mounted on the output shaft (5) by means of a screw element (8) which is held non-rotatably on the cutting head (3). The cover (7) is held non-rotatably on the output shaft (5) and has ribs (17) in the inner area (19) and a first gripping surface (13) in the outer area (20).