Cutting Tool Pulling Sleeve Fastening to Prevent Cord Slippage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting tools, such as loopers, face challenges with time-consuming knot-tying and knot-opening processes for securing the pulling means, which require dexterity and can lead to inadvertent disengagement, affecting ergonomic efficiency and smooth operation.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a first and second wrapping element, forming a ladder buckle, securely fastens the pulling means within the pulling sleeve, preventing slippage and disengagement by superimposing parts of the pulling means around these elements, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a knot is used to fasten the pulling means to the pulling sleeve, then the pulling means can be secured, but the fastening process becomes time-consuming and requires good dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of pulling meansVSAvoidtime for making and opening knots
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is divided into distinct components: a mounting portion for attachment to the pulling sleeve, and wrapping elements for securing the pulling means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, eliminating the need for complex knot-tying while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device acts as an intermediary between the pulling means and the pulling sleeve. Instead of directly knotting the pulling means to the sleeve, the fastening device provides a structured interface with wrapping elements that simplify the fastening process while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a knot is used to fasten the pulling means, then the pulling means can be secured, but the process requires good dexterity and may lead to inadvertent disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of pulling meansVSAvoiddexterity requirement for knotting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wrapping elements are designed to automatically secure the pulling means through their geometric configuration. The superimposition of wrapping elements creates a self-locking mechanism that maintains secure fastening without requiring continuous user intervention or high dexterity, reducing the risk of inadvertent disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a flexible knot that requires manipulation, the invention uses rigid wrapping elements with fixed geometric shapes that provide structured guidance for the pulling means. This inversion from flexible to rigid fastening elements simplifies the operation and reduces dexterity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple fastening device is used, then the design and manufacture are simpler, but the fastening may not prevent slippage of the pulling means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of fastening deviceVSAvoidprevention of pulling means slippage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device transitions from simple linear fastening to multi-dimensional securing through the arrangement of wrapping elements in space. The wrapping elements are positioned at different locations and orientations, creating a three-dimensional fastening structure that effectively prevents slippage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The wrapping elements are designed with asymmetric geometries and positions that specifically counteract the directional forces applied to the pulling means during operation. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the fastening performance against slippage in the critical directions while keeping the overall device structure simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4606207B1Cutting tool
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4606207B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606207B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4606207B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a cutting tool (100) comprising an elongated handle (102) that mounts a cutting head (104) and a pulling sleeve (114) to actuate the cutting head (104). A pulling means (120) is arranged at least partially in the elongated handle (102) to transmit an actuating force from the pulling sleeve (114) to the cutting head (104). An end of the pulling means (120) is fastened to the pulling sleeve (114) by a fastening device (122). The cutting tool (100) is characterized in that the fastening device (122) comprises a first wrapping element (140) and a second wrapping element (142) positioned adjacent to the first wrapping element (140). The end of the pulling means (120) is guided between and around the first wrapping element (140) and the second wrapping element (142) such that different parts of the end of the pulling means (120) superimpose each other so that under a tensile force the pulling means (120) tightens around the first wrapping element (140) and the second wrapping element (142).