Lawnmower Blade Disk Torque Transmission and Dirt Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawnmowers face issues with grass clippings lodging in the mower housing due to the disk's smaller diameter compared to the blade, leading to inefficiencies and increased dirt accumulation, which affects torque transmission and operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A blade is connected to a disk in a rotationally fixed manner, with the disk non-rotatably held on the drive shaft, ensuring reliable torque transmission and incorporating a ribbed structure for stable knife positioning and dirt displacement, along with a fastening system that prevents loosening during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the disk diameter is made smaller than the blade length, then the structure is more compact, but grass clippings fly past the disc and become lodged in the mower housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisk sizeVSAvoidgrass clipping accumulation in housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of grass clippings flying past the disc by extending the disc diameter beyond the blade length. This extension transforms the disc from a component that fails to contain clippings into an effective shield that prevents clippings from entering the housing, while the centrifugal force naturally propels clippings outward along the extended disc perimeter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If the blade is bolted directly to the drive shaft, then the structure is simple, but torque transmission may be insufficient and the blade may loosen during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening structureVSAvoidblade securing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested fastening structure where the drive shaft passes through the blade, which is secured by a nut, which in turn is retained by a snap ring within a groove. This multi-layer nested arrangement ensures reliable torque transmission and prevents blade loosening while maintaining structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap ring is pre-installed in the groove to create a preliminary mechanical barrier that prevents the nut from loosening during blade operation, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms while ensuring reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the disc has an opening with a bushing for the drive shaft, then the disc can float freely, but torque transmission from the drive shaft to the disc becomes less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisc floating capabilityVSAvoidtorque transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection between the drive shaft and disc by introducing a keyed connection that divides the torque transmission path into distinct functional zones: the key transmits torque while the bushing provides floating capability, allowing each component to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of stationary object

If the blade extends over the entire diameter of the disc, then coverage is maximized, but the distance between the cutting edge and disc is minimal, causing dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade coverage areaVSAvoiddirt accumulation near blade
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the disc beyond the blade diameter, converting the potential harm of increased dirt accumulation into a benefit by using the extended disc perimeter to deflect grass clippings and dirt away from the housing, while the blade maintains optimal positioning for cutting performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP2997810B1Work device
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP2997810B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2997810B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2997810B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a working device with at least one blade (6) driven by a drive motor (3) to rotate about a rotary axis (5). The working device has a drive shaft (4) on which a disc (7) is arranged. The at least one blade (6) is arranged on a side of the disc (7) facing the ground (38) during operation. The distance of the radial outer edge (55) of the blade (6) to the rotary axis (5) is smaller than the radius of the disc (7). The disc (7) is fixedly mounted on the drive shaft (4) to prevent rotation. The blade (6) is fixedly connected to the disc (7), and the drive torque for the rotation of the blade (6) is transmitted from the disc (7) to the blade (6).