Multi-use Tool Interchangeable Disk Cutting Web

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional string trimmers require frequent and time-consuming replacement of strings, either by stopping the device to replace entire strings or manually unwinding a long string, which is inefficient and frustrating.

Innovation Solution

A multi-use tool with a rotating shaft adapter that allows interchangeable tool attachments, including a disk-shaped cutting web with interconnected strings that can be easily replaced and provides more cutting edges, eliminating the need for frequent string replacement and enhancing cutting efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional string trimmers use one or two strings for cutting, then the device structure remains simple, but the cutting capability and efficiency are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual strings are merged into a single disk-shaped cutting web with interconnected strings. This combining approach provides multiple cutting edges simultaneously while maintaining a unified replaceable unit, resolving the contradiction between cutting capability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disk-shaped cutting web serves as a universal attachment that can be secured to the shaft adapter, providing multiple cutting edges and functions in one component. This multi-functional design enhances productivity without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional string trimmers use a drum or spool with wound string, then the string can be continuously fed, but the drum must be pre-wound which is time-consuming and frustrating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous cuttingVSAvoidpre-winding time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The strings are pre-interconnected and pre-formed into a complete disk-shaped cutting web during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for user pre-winding, allowing the attachment to be installed and used immediately, thus resolving the time loss contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The disk-shaped cutting web is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Instead of requiring time-consuming pre-winding of durable string, the entire cutting web can be quickly replaced when worn, eliminating pre-winding time loss while maintaining continuous cutting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If conventional string trimmers require stopping the hub/drum to replace strings, then the replacement process is simple, but the operation is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring replacement simplicityVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple strings are merged into a single disk-shaped cutting web that functions as one unified replacement unit. This combining approach maintains operational simplicity (attach/detach as one piece) while reducing replacement time by eliminating the need to handle multiple individual strings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting web is segmented from the rest of the trimmer system via the shaft adapter interface, allowing it to be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation enables quick replacement without disassembling the entire device, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and replacement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional string trimmers use thin strings, then the device remains lightweight and simple, but the strings wear down and break frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring durabilityVSAvoidcutting media weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting web uses thicker, interconnected strings that form a composite structure. This composite design enhances durability and reliability by distributing stress across multiple interconnected elements, while the modular disk shape keeps the overall weight manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple thicker strings are merged into a single disk-shaped web, providing the durability of thick strings while distributing the total weight across a larger structure. This combining approach improves reliability without proportionally increasing the weight of the moving object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10694672B2Multi-use tool with interchangeable attachments

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 EISERER REX A

AI summary

Systems and methods for using interchangeable tool attachments in multi-use tools. In one embodiment, a multi-use tool includes a motor, a shaft and a shaft adapter at the end of the shaft. The motor has user controls (e.g., on/off switch or throttle) that control the motor to drive the shaft and cause it to rotate. The shaft may include a rigid tubular outer member with a flexible inner shaft. The shaft adapter is coupled to the end of the rotating portion of the shaft. The shaft adapter has a mounting flange that rotates with the adapter at the end of the shaft. An interchangeable tool attachment is secured to the mounting flange, and rotation of the shaft adapter and mounting flange causes the tool attachment to rotate as well. Many different tool attachments can be interchangeably secured to the mounting flange to provide corresponding, different functions to the tool.