Multi-Blade Chipping Tool for Uniform Kindling Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual methods for producing kindling chips are laborious, inefficient, and pose safety risks, making it difficult to achieve consistent and high-quality production, especially for larger quantities, leading to incomplete combustion and increased flue gas emissions in fireplaces.

Innovation Solution

A method and tool using multiple chipping blades that move in relation to the machinable piece, allowing for controlled feeding motions and adjustable chip dimensions, enabling efficient production of thin, uniform kindling chips that improve firing characteristics and can combine fuel and kindling in a single piece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual carving methods (knife, axe) are used to produce kindling chips, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rate of kindling chipsVSAvoidcomplexity of chipping tool
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chipping tool is divided into multiple independent chipping blades (at least two) arranged in sequence along the feeding direction. Each blade can independently chip wood material, allowing parallel processing and significantly increasing productivity compared to single-blade manual tools while maintaining relatively simple individual blade structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from manual single-point chipping to a multi-blade array configuration where blades are distributed across different positions in the feeding direction. This spatial arrangement enables simultaneous chipping at multiple locations, transforming the productivity limitation of manual tools into a scalable multi-blade system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual carving is used, then equipment cost is low, but manufacturing precision and consistency of chip dimensions are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of chip dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of chipping tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple chipping blades are used instead of a single manual tool, with each blade contributing to the creation of uniformly dimensioned chips. The segmented blade arrangement ensures consistent chip thickness and dimensions across the entire workpiece surface, eliminating the variability inherent in manual carving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls chip dimensions by adjusting parameters such as blade sharpness, blade spacing, and feeding motion characteristics. By systematically controlling these parameters across multiple blades, consistent chip dimensions are achieved throughout the production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If hand carving is used for large quantities, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but loss of time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime required for kindling productionVSAvoidoutput rate of kindling chips
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chipping operation is segmented into multiple parallel blade actions, allowing simultaneous chip production across different locations. This parallel processing dramatically reduces the total time required to produce a given quantity of kindling chips compared to sequential manual carving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple blades are arranged to provide continuous chipping action along the feeding direction, eliminating idle time between chip production cycles. As the workpiece moves through the tool, each blade continuously chips material, maintaining constant productive action throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If manual tools are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but safety reliability is compromised due to slipping and accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of chipping operationVSAvoidease of using chipping tool
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chipping tool performs the chipping operation automatically through the coordinated action of multiple blades and controlled feeding motion, eliminating the need for manual carving actions that pose safety risks. The system serves itself by mechanically executing the chipping function without requiring the operator to manually guide a knife or axe through the wood.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical system of hand-carving with a controlled multi-blade mechanical system. This substitution eliminates the unpredictable slipping and loss of control inherent in manual tool use, providing more reliable and safer chip production through systematic mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 cost-effective, high-quality serial production of kindling chips that enhance combustion efficiency, reducing emissions and improving safety by producing consistent, bark-free, and easily ignitable firewood, while minimizing accidents and equipment damage.

Implementation Method 1

a machinable piece and chipping blades are pressed in a first work phase against each other by sufficient pressing force and either the machinable piece or the chipping blades or both are moved in relation to each other to provide a mutual feeding motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3307498B1A splitting and chipping tool
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 ESMOCON OY
  • EP3307498B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3307498B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The object of the invention is a method for machining a piece by a multiple blade tool, in which method, the machinable piece (1) and the multiple blade tool (2) are pressed against each other, the machinable piece or the tool or both of them are moved in relation to each other such that they make a linear, rotating or curved mutual feeding motion and several chips are machined from the piece (1) simultaneously. Furthermore the object of the invention is a chipping tool which includes a body (2) and chipping blades (3) fastened to it, of which chipping blades (3) there are several located one after the other in the direction of a feeding motion LI. In the method the length of the mutual feeding motion of the machinable piece (1) and the tool (2) are adjusted such that the machined chips remain fast at their one end on the machinable piece (1). The chipping tool includes control elements for controlling the length of the mutual motion of the machinable piece (1) and the tool (2) in order for the machinable chips to remain fast at their one end on the machinable piece (1).