Integrated Cutting Tool for Flexible Line Packages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of flexible wound monofilament lines face difficulties in safely and effectively cutting the lines to desired lengths without auxiliary cutting devices, which can be dangerous and inefficient, especially for larger diameter lines.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool is integrated into the package, featuring a base member with a groove and a recessed blade, along with an arm member that applies mechanical advantage to sever the line, allowing for safe and efficient cutting without the need for external devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If auxiliary cutting devices such as knives, scissors, or wire cutters are used to cut monofilament line, then the line can be cut to desired length, but the user faces safety risks from exposed sharp edges and the cutting devices may not be effective for larger diameter lines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cutting lineVSAvoidsafety risk from exposed sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting blade is integrated into the package structure itself, merging the container and cutting tool into a single unit. The blade is recessed within the package wall, eliminating exposed sharp edges while maintaining cutting functionality. This resolves the contradiction by combining the package with a safe cutting mechanism that applies mechanical advantage through the package structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The package wall acts as an intermediary structure that houses the cutting blade and provides mechanical advantage. Instead of using external cutting devices with exposed blades, the package itself becomes the cutting tool through its structured wall design, eliminating safety hazards while enabling effective cutting of various line diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If pre-cut short strips of monofilament line are provided for fixed line heads, then the user has convenient ready-to-use line, but the cost to manufacturer and consumer increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of ready-to-use lineVSAvoidcost to manufacturer and consumer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The package enables the user to self-cut the monofilament line to the desired length using the integrated cutting blade. Instead of the manufacturer providing pre-cut strips at higher cost, the user can easily cut the appropriate length from the bulk package themselves, eliminating the premium charged for pre-cut convenience while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If scissors are used to cut larger diameter monofilament lines, then cutting may be attempted, but the line tends to slide outwardly away from the blades and the scissors may not cut effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to cut various line diametersVSAvoideffectiveness of cutting action

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting blade is positioned within a curved recess in the package wall, creating a containment geometry that prevents the line from sliding away. The recess structure guides the line onto the blade at an optimal angle and applies mechanical advantage through the curved package wall, enabling effective cutting of larger diameter lines that would escape from flat scissor blades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Quantity of substance

If continuous bulk wound monofilament line packages are provided, then economical bulk packaging is achieved, but the user lacks an integrated means to cut the line to desired lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomical bulk packagingVSAvoidability to cut line to desired length

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated cutting tool enables users to safely and easily cut flexible lines up to 0.180 inches in diameter, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution by eliminating the need for pre-cut strips and reducing the risk of injury from external cutting tools.

Implementation Method 1

an arm member acting in complementary relationship to the base member so as to produce and apply mechanical advantage in a manner that forces the flexible line received within the groove against the blade to thereby sever the flexible line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS7908953B2Cutting tool attached to package for wound line

Publication Date: 2011.03.22 SHAKESPEARE CO

AI summary

A cutting tool for flexible line, the cutting tool being attached to the package for the flexible line, comprises a base member having a groove adapted to receive the flexible line when the cutting tool is in use and a blade recessed within the groove, the blade being adapted to cut the flexible line when the line is forced into the blade during use of the cutting tool. The cutting tool further includes an arm member in operative relationship with and complementary to the base member, which arm member is capable of producing and applying mechanical advantage in a manner that forces the flexible line received within the groove against the blade to thereby sever the flexible line.