Dual-Function Edger and Sod Cutter with Oscillating Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Landscapers typically require multiple, expensive equipment pieces for sod cutting and edging tasks, which can be cumbersome and inefficient to maintain and transport.

Innovation Solution

A combination apparatus that can function as both a sod cutter and an edger, featuring a mechanism with a first blade for sod cutting and a second blade for edging, which can be attached and detached as needed, driven by an engine linked to an arm for oscillation, allowing for dual functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If landscapers use separate equipment for sod cutting and edging, then each task can be performed with specialized tools, but the overall complexity of equipment management increases and transportation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment versatilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate landscaping functions (sod cutting and edging) into a single apparatus. The sod cutter includes an edging attachment that can be positioned adjacent to the cutting blade, allowing both operations to be performed with one machine. This merging reduces the number of separate equipment pieces needed while maintaining specialized functionality for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, where a single machine can perform both sod cutting and edging operations. The edging attachment is integrated into the sod cutter framework, enabling the device to universally handle multiple landscaping tasks that traditionally required separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If landscapers purchase multiple separate machines, then each machine can be optimized for its specific task, but the total cost of equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask performance reliabilityVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By merging sod cutting and edging capabilities into one apparatus, the patent reduces the quantity of equipment from two separate machines to one. The design maintains task-specific optimization through dedicated blades and attachments, ensuring reliable performance for each function while reducing overall equipment quantity and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a single apparatus performs both sod cutting and edging, then equipment transportation becomes easier, but the device must accommodate multiple functional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation easeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edging attachment is designed to be nested within or adjacent to the sod cutter structure. The attachment can be positioned close to the cutting blade and integrated into the existing framework, allowing compact configuration that facilitates easier transportation while accommodating multiple functional components within a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10117372B1Apparatus configured to act as both an edger and a sod cutter

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 REED THOMAS DAVID

AI summary

Described herein is a combination apparatus and methods of using the combination apparatus. The combination apparatus is operable as both an edger and a sod cutter. The combination apparatus includes an arm that oscillates when driven by a motor. Both a sod cutter blade and an edger blade are coupled to the arm.