Free-Rotating Tool Part for Substrate Digging in Tight Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional subsoil processing devices are heavy, cumbersome, and unable to navigate narrow spaces, and existing brushcutters lack the functionality to efficiently remove weeds and dig into substrates, posing risks to plants and requiring precise adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A device with a motor-driven output that rotates and features a star-shaped tool part with a distinct tool axis, allowing for efficient weed removal and substrate digging, with the tool part rotating freely relative to the output and adapting to soil conditions without direct motor connection, enclosed in a protective hood for safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional subsoil processing devices are used, then substrate digging capability is provided, but the devices are heavy and cannot navigate narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to navigate narrow spacesVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the tool system into modular components: a rotating output shaft with multiple extensions, each carrying independent tool parts. This segmentation allows the device to be lighter while maintaining multiple functions (weed removal and substrate digging) through coordinated operation of separate tool elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device integrates multiple tool parts on a single rotating output, enabling it to perform both weed removal and substrate digging functions simultaneously. The extensions with different tool configurations allow one device to handle various gardening tasks that previously required multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If brushcutters are used for weed removal, then portability is improved, but uncontrolled cutting movements occur that damage plants

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiduncontrolled cutting movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool parts are designed to rotate freely on their extensions rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the tools to adapt their orientation based on contact with the ground and plants, providing controlled cutting action that follows the terrain rather than imposing rigid radial motion that could damage ornamental plants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tool parts automatically adjust their orientation and contact points with the ground through their free rotation capability. The system self-regulates the cutting depth and angle based on actual ground conditions, eliminating the need for precise manual adjustment while preventing uncontrolled movements that could harm plants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If brushcutters with blades are used, then cutting capability is provided, but the blades must be freely balanced in the air causing uncontrolled movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidblade balance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The extensions act as intermediaries between the rotating output and the tool parts. They provide a stable mounting structure that allows tool parts to rotate freely while maintaining controlled contact with the ground, eliminating the need for free aerial balancing and preventing uncontrolled blade movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If conventional devices are constructed like lawn mowers, then substrate processing is provided, but the devices cannot be carried for long times due to weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate processing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight for carrying
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential substrate processing function from heavy conventional lawn mower constructions. By using a lightweight rotating output system with extensions and free-rotating tool parts, the device achieves substrate digging capability without the heavy chassis and mechanism of traditional mowers, making it portable for extended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 efficient removal of weeds and substrate excavation in tight spaces while protecting plants and users, with a robust and efficient design that can handle various soil conditions without uncontrolled movements.

Implementation Method 1

an output (14) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (12) and is driven by a motor (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The rotation of the output about the axis of rotation drives the rotation of the tool part about the tool axis (18). The rotation of the tool part about the tool axis takes place through contact with the ground during the rotation of the output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The tool part on the extension works the surface of the ground and can remove weeds and/or dig up the substrate of the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3607807B1Device for processing an underlying surface
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 MULDERS JURGEN
  • EP3607807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3607807B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3607807B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for processing a substrate comprises a drive (14) rotatable about a rotational axis (12) and driven by a motor (16), and an extension (15) formed on the drive (14). A tool part (20) rotatable about a tool axis (18) is arranged on the extension (15).