Cutting Tool With Opposite Spiral Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mowing or mulching devices with spiral cutting edges face blockages and contamination issues due to vegetation residue accumulating between the cutting tool and the support frame, necessitating frequent cleaning and hindering the mowing process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of cutting tools with spirally running cutting edges having opposite thread pitches directs cut vegetation into the interior of the support frame, preventing accumulation in the transition area between the cutting tool and the support frame, allowing for easy collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single spiral cutting edge is used on the cutting tool, then the cutting tool can effectively cut vegetation, but the cut vegetation accumulates in the transition area between the cutting tool and support frame causing blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single spiral cutting edge is segmented into two cutting edges with opposite thread pitches. Each cutting edge handles vegetation in opposite directions, preventing accumulation in the transition area. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining cutting efficiency while eliminating blockages that cause operational failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single spiral cutting edge that transports vegetation in one direction toward the support frame, the invention uses two cutting edges with opposite thread pitches that transport vegetation in opposite directions away from the transition area. This inversion of the transport direction prevents blockages while maintaining cutting effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If vegetation is conveyed in a predetermined transport direction by a spiral cutting edge, then cutting is effective, but vegetation residue deposits between the cutting tool and support frame requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting speedVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the vegetation transport direction by using opposite thread pitches on the two cutting edges. This causes vegetation to be conveyed away from the transition area between the cutting tool and support frame, preventing deposits that would require cleaning and thus reducing time loss while maintaining cutting speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of vegetation accumulation into a beneficial outcome by using the spiral cutting edges to actively transport vegetation away from the support frame. The same spiral mechanism that could cause blockages is instead used to prevent them by directing vegetation toward the center of the support frame where it can be easily collected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If cut vegetation accumulates in the transition area, then the mowing process is impeded, but adding more cutting edges increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemowing continuityVSAvoidcutting tool structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is segmented into two cutting edges with opposite thread pitches, which is a minimal increase in complexity that achieves the goal of preventing vegetation accumulation. This segmentation allows continuous mowing operation without the need for frequent stopping and cleaning, improving ease of operation with only a small increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution ensures efficient removal and collection of cut vegetation, preventing blockages and facilitating easy cleanup, even with solid materials like wood, by using the cutting edges as a screw conveyor mechanism, directing debris centrally for easy pick-up or suction into a collection container.

Implementation Method 1

the respective cutting edge therefore acts as a kind of screw conveyor for the vegetation that has been cut off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew conveyor mechanism: Archimedes Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3909413A1Mowing or mulching device and cutting tool for same

Publication Date: 2021.11.17 MASCHINENFABRIK BERMATINGEN GMBH & CO

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AI summary

In a mowing or mulching device (1) for cutting vegetation (3) protruding from a surface (2), comprising: - a support frame (5) movable in a direction of movement (7), - at least one cutting tool (8) rotatably supported on the support frame (5), the axis of rotation (9) of which is arranged parallel to the surface (2) in an adjustable height position and by which the vegetation (3) is cut at a predetermined cutting height (10), and - at least one motor (6) by which the respective cutting tool (8) is set in rotation, the cut vegetation (3) is to be transported in a defined manner to a predetermined deposit position spaced away from the support frame (5). This is achieved by having at least two spirally extending cutting edges (11, 12) formed or provided on the cutting tool (8), the respective thread pitches of which are designed in opposite directions to each other.