Modular Cutting Head With Form-Locking Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mowing and trimming devices face inefficiencies in operation, maintenance, and user convenience, particularly in replenishing cutting lines and transmitting drive torque uniformly across modules.
Innovation Solution
A mowing and trimming device with modules featuring form-locking elements and counter-form-locking elements, annular housing elements, and locking units to ensure uniform power transmission, easy module replacement, and protection of cutting threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modules are designed to be easily disassembled for cutting line replenishment, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability between modules and drive shaft may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent modules (first module, second module, etc.), each with its own housing unit and cutting line spool. Each module can be independently disassembled from the drive shaft for cutting line replenishment without affecting other modules, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining reliable connections through standardized connecting elements and form-locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing units incorporate specific local features including connecting elements for drive shaft attachment, form-locking elements for module-to-module connection, and thread passage openings for cutting line feeding. These localized structural qualities ensure reliable power transmission and modular connectivity while allowing selective disassembly for maintenance.
2Productivity
If drive torque is transmitted through multiple modules in series, then productivity is improved, but uniformity of power transmission deteriorates due to cumulative wear and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent modules connected in series between the drive shaft and working elements. Each module has its own connecting elements and form-locking mechanisms that independently transmit drive torque, allowing parallel cutting operations while maintaining uniform power distribution through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are arranged asymmetrically around the drive shaft with specific angular offsets between thread passage openings of adjacent modules. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes cutting line distribution and prevents interference between adjacent cutting lines, ensuring uniform torque transmission and consistent cutting performance across all modules.
3Loss of time
If cutting lines are replenished from multiple modules simultaneously, then time for maintenance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into identical, interchangeable modules, each with standardized housing units, connecting elements, and cutting line spools. This segmentation allows any module to be independently accessed and serviced, enabling parallel maintenance operations where multiple cutting lines can be replenished simultaneously without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
All modules use identical universal connecting elements, form-locking elements, and housing unit designs. This universality allows any module to be replaced or serviced with any other module, simplifying the maintenance process and reducing the need for specialized procedures for different modules, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple modules.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mowing and/or trimming device (10), comprising a drive shaft (12) and comprising a first module (14) and at least one second module (16), which modules can be rotationally driven about an axis of rotation (18) by means of the drive shaft (12) and each comprise a line reel (20) for receiving and storing at least one cutting line (22) and a housing unit (24) having at least one line passage opening (26) for allowing a free end (28) of the cutting line (22) to pass therethrough. According to the invention, the housing unit (24) of the first module (14) has at least one counter connection element (30), which is provided for form-locking connection to a connection element (32) of the drive shaft (12) and for receiving a drive torque from the drive shaft (12).