Cutting Tool Shock Absorption for User Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cutting tools, such as hedge shears and loppers, cause uncomfortable jarring to users due to the impact of blades when they reach their stop position, and often require significant resistance to reopen, making it difficult to separate them for the next cut.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating shock absorption means, such as resilient materials like rubber or foam, into the shear parts or handles of cutting tools to absorb the impact and provide a spring back effect, facilitating easier reopening after each cut.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional cutting tools are used without shock absorption means, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user experiences uncomfortable jarring and resistance when opening the tool after cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfort and ease of reopeningVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies shock absorption means (such as rubber or foam materials) at strategic locations on the shear parts or handles to cushion the impact before it reaches the user. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the shock of blade closure and facilitates easier reopening, directly resolving the contradiction between user comfort and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorption means acts as an intermediary element between the blade assembly and the user's hand. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates the impact energy, mediating the interaction between the mechanical cutting action and the user, thereby improving comfort without fundamentally altering the core cutting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shock absorption means are added to the shear parts or handles, then the impact is absorbed and user comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact and jarring reductionVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire tool structure complex, the shock absorption means is applied locally at specific positions where impact occurs (on the shear parts or handles). This localized application absorbs harmful impact factors while maintaining the simplicity of the overall tool structure, resolving the contradiction between impact reduction and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining traditional cutting tool materials with shock absorption materials (rubber or foam). This composite approach integrates the shock absorption function into the existing tool structure without requiring a completely new design, thereby reducing harmful impacts while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 shock absorption means effectively reduces the discomfort caused by blade impact and simplifies the process of reopening the cutting tool, enhancing user experience by providing a cushioning effect and aiding in readying the tool for the next cut.

Implementation Method 1

the shock absorption means is at least partly made from a resilient material, for example rubber or foam. Advantageously, such a resilient material can be used to absorb energy.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the first and second shear parts comprises shock absorption means for absorbing the impact created by the closure of the first and second shear parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4470362A1Shock absorber for cutting tool
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 WESTLAND HORTICULTURE
  • EP4470362A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4470362A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4470362A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A cutting tool 1 comprises a first shear part 2 and a second shear part 3. The second shear part 3 is rotatably connected to the first shear part 2. At least one of the first and second shear parts 2,3 comprises a cutting blade 4,6. At least one of the first and second shear parts 2,3 comprises shock absorption means 20, 30.