Hedge Trimmer Vibration Isolation and Battery Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hedge trimmers fail to adequately reduce vibrations transmitted from the blade to the front grip, leading to user discomfort and reduced operability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first vibration isolator between the grip support and the blade, and a second vibration isolator between the body housing and the grip support, to absorb and reduce vibrations, along with a battery attachment mechanism that allows easy detachment and attachment without lateral support, optimizing the center of gravity for improved handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a vibration isolator is disposed between the left support and the right support, then vibrations are reduced transmitted to the front grip, but vibrations can still be transmitted via the junction between the left support and the right support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibrations transmitted to front gripVSAvoidvibration isolation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolation system is segmented into multiple independent vibration isolators: one between the blade and left support, another between the left support and body housing, and a third between the right support and body housing. This segmentation prevents vibration transmission through the junction between left and right supports while maintaining effective vibration isolation at both the blade and grip interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Vibration isolators serve as intermediary elements placed between the blade, supports, and body housing. These intermediaries absorb and isolate vibrations, preventing direct transmission paths. The vibration isolators between the supports and body housing act as additional intermediaries that block vibration transmission through the junction area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the grip support is rigidly connected to the blade, then structural strength is improved, but vibrations caused by blade operation are transmitted to the grip support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strength between blade and grip supportVSAvoidvibrations transmitted to grip support

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration isolator is introduced as an intermediary element between the blade and the left support. This intermediary maintains the structural connection while simultaneously isolating vibrations, allowing the grip support to remain rigidly connected to the blade for strength while preventing vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the blade and left support changes from a rigid direct connection to a connection with vibration isolation properties. The vibration isolator modifies the mechanical parameters of the connection, allowing force transmission while blocking vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the battery is attached to the body housing, then power supply is provided, but the weight distribution may affect handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply for hedge trimmerVSAvoidhandling and balance of hedge trimmer

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery is positioned on the rear side of the body housing, strategically placed to counterbalance the weight of the blade and front handle assembly. This positioning creates a counterweight effect that balances the overall center of gravity, improving handling and ease of operation while providing necessary power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

Significantly reduces vibrations transmitted to the front grip, enhances user comfort, and improves operability by allowing easy battery management and balanced weight distribution.

Implementation Method 1

A first vibration isolator may be disposed between the grip support and the blade. In the above-described configuration, the first vibration isolator, which is disposed between the grip support and the blade, absorbs vibrations caused by the blade being driven.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11844317B2Hedge trimmer

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 MAKITA CORP

AI summary

A hedge trimmer may include a body housing; a blade extending forward from a front portion of the body housing; a prime mover housed in the body housing and configured to drive the blade; a front handle disposed forward of the body housing and including a grip support and a front grip, wherein the blade is attached to the grip support and the front grip is connected to the grip support; and a rear handle connected to a rear portion of the body housing and including a rear grip. A first vibration isolator may be disposed between the grip support and the blade.