Notched Digging Blade for Utility-Safe Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digging tools are not designed to prevent damage to surface level or buried objects, obstructions, and utility lines, and their blades are prone to damage from striking solid objects during use.
Innovation Solution
A digging tool with a blade featuring notches or cut-outs on its sides and edges, which provide protection by preventing direct contact with obstructions and distributing force to avoid damage, and can be attached to handles or machines for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the blade is designed to effectively remove, cut, and unearth matter, then the digging functionality is improved, but the blade becomes prone to damage from striking solid or rigid objects
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented by introducing notches that divide the continuous blade surface into separate sections. These notches create gaps that allow the blade to flex and absorb impact forces when striking solid objects, preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining effective digging surfaces in between the notches.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches are strategically positioned beforehand to act as cushioning zones that absorb and distribute impact forces before they can propagate through the entire blade structure. This pre-planned weakness points allow controlled deformation that protects the overall blade integrity during unexpected strikes on solid objects.
2Productivity
If the blade is designed for effective digging and cutting, then material removal capability is improved, but the blade cannot avoid or prevent damage to surface level or buried objects
Solution Approach 1:
The notches segment the blade into multiple functional zones, where some portions maintain sharp digging edges while other portions with notches provide clearance and detection capabilities. This segmentation allows the blade to interact differently with various subsurface objects, reducing harmful impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blade are given different qualities through the notch configuration. Areas with notches have modified local properties that reduce impact force transmission, while areas between notches maintain full digging effectiveness. This local differentiation allows the blade to protect buried objects in critical zones while maintaining overall digging performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool that may be used for digging or excavation, the tool includes a blade with a lower edge, an upper edge configured to attach to, or secure to, at least one of: a handle, machine, or other tool. The tool blade further includes left and right side edges integrally connecting the lower edge and the upper edge to form a surface. The tool blade further includes a notch that may be formed on at least one of: a left side edge, a right side edge, or the lower edge of the blade, the notch being configured to have a top surface and at least one side surface. The notch may extend inwards from a peripheral edge of the surface of the blade.