Multi-Edge Dirt Tool with Segmented Chamfers for Dense Soil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dirt tools, such as spades and shovels, lack multiple outwardly-directed side edges with varying angles and sizes, making it difficult to efficiently dig and transplant in dense or rocky soils, especially for individuals who are weaker or smaller.
Innovation Solution
A dirt tool with three operative side edges: a penetrating chamfer, a slicing edge, and a chopping chamfer, each at different angles and sizes, designed to facilitate easy penetration and extraction, featuring a heat-treated metal blade with specialized sharpened cutting surfaces and a unique profile for improved leverage and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional dirt tools with single-edge design are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool cannot efficiently dig in dense or rocky soils
Solution Approach 1:
The blade edge is segmented into three distinct cutting surfaces (penetrating chamfer, slicing edge, and chopping chamfer) with different angles and functions. Each segment addresses a specific digging challenge: the penetrating chamfer (30-45 degrees) breaks through dense soil, the slicing edge (60-75 degrees) cuts roots and fibrous material, and the chopping chamfer (45-60 degrees) chips away rocky material, collectively enhancing overall digging capability without requiring multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the blade edge are given different geometric properties and angles tailored to specific functions. The penetrating chamfer has a sharper, more acute angle for initial penetration, while the chopping chamfer has a broader angle for impact resistance. This local differentiation of edge properties allows each section to optimize its performance for its specific digging task
2Force
If conventional spades are used by weaker individuals, then the tool is easy to operate, but the user lacks sufficient leverage and strength for difficult soils
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting edge is extended from a single-line configuration into a three-dimensional multi-surface geometry with varying angles and depths. This dimensional transformation creates multiple cutting planes that engage the soil at different orientations, distributing the required digging force across multiple surfaces rather than concentrating it at a single point, thereby reducing the peak force needed by the operator
3Ease of operation
If the blade edge is made sharp for easy penetration, then penetration is improved, but the edge becomes prone to breakage and loses sharpness quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The edge geometry parameters are varied across the three cutting surfaces, with each chamfer and edge having distinct angle measurements and dimensional proportions. The penetrating chamfer uses a 30-45 degree angle for sharp penetration, while the chopping chamfer uses a broader 45-60 degree angle for impact resistance. This parameter differentiation allows the blade to maintain sharpness where needed while providing structural robustness where impact resistance is prioritized
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-manipulated dirt tool, either a spade, shovel, post hole digger or the like, is driven and guided by the hands and feet of the human user, which tool has at least three, operative, outwardly-directed, side edges, preferably continuous, namely, a penetrating chamfer, a slicing edge and a chopping chamfer, preferably at at least two different angles and three sizes, either on one side or on both sides. Thus, at least two, outwardly-directed, side edges are chamfer, which can be parallel, with relatively small, entry surface in beginning edge of the tool and, if spade or a shovel, etc., a foot engaged, top portion is provided. Ideally the three side surfaces, as one progresses up the tool, can make forty-five, seventy-five and forty-five degrees to the rear and ideal “vertical” distances of one, nine and one inches, respectively, and exemplary degree, distance ranges and cross-sectional dimensions are also provided.