Multifunctional Pruning Shears Linkage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pruning shears face inefficiencies in cutting thicker trunks due to the need for repeated efforts and risk of damage when using the step by step cutting method, as they lack a mechanism to distribute force effectively and prevent damage from improper pressure application.

Innovation Solution

The addition of a second linkage to the pruning shears allows for continuous driving of the cutting mechanism without requiring additional pressure, enabling one step cutting and preventing damage by maintaining the leaning end's position against stop positions, thus allowing for efficient cutting of both thicker and softer trunks without straining the tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If step by step cutting is performed using conventional pruning shears, then physical force is saved, but the pruning shears are easily damaged due to displaced pressing location among stop positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical forceVSAvoidtool durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the pressing mechanism and the stop positions. This buffer absorbs the impact and distributes the force, preventing direct contact that would cause damage to the tool while maintaining the step-by-step cutting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer structure is positioned in advance at the pressing location to cushion the impact before it reaches the stop positions. This pre-positioned cushioning mechanism protects the tool from damage during the step-by-step cutting process by absorbing excess force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If one step cutting is performed with conventional pruning shears, then cutting speed is improved, but greater force is required and physical effort is exhausted when cutting thicker trunks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidapplied force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing mechanism is made dynamic by allowing movement among multiple stop positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the user to apply force progressively through step-by-step cutting for thicker trunks, while still maintaining the ability to perform one-step cutting when needed, thus balancing cutting speed with force requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting process is segmented into multiple stop positions that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the cutting mechanism to operate in different modes: one-step cutting for rapid cutting of softer trunks, or step-by-step cutting for thicker trunks, providing flexibility in handling different cutting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a second linkage is added to enable multifunctional cutting, then cutting versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting functionalityVSAvoidlinkage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A second linkage is added to the existing pruning shears structure, enabling the tool to perform multiple cutting functions: one-step cutting, step-by-step cutting, and cutting of different trunk thicknesses. This universal design allows a single tool to handle diverse cutting scenarios that would otherwise require multiple different tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second linkage is integrated into the existing structure in a nested manner, where the new linkage shares components with the original linkage system. This nesting approach minimizes the increase in overall device complexity while still achieving the desired multifunctional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The multifunctional pruning shears effectively cut thicker trunks with reduced physical effort and prevent damage by ensuring consistent pressure distribution, enhancing both efficiency and durability during cutting operations.

Implementation Method 1

a restoring element capable of retaining the leaning end at the stop position when the driven section is relatively near the second connection section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8881407B2Multifunctional pruning shears for one step cutting and step by step cutting
Publication Date: 2014.11.11 GREEN GUARD IND
  • US8881407B2 patent drawing
  • US8881407B2 patent drawing
  • US8881407B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multifunctional pruning shears for one step cutting and step by step cutting wherein a first cutting section, a first connection section and a first pivot section are disposed to a front section of a first scissor body of a first driving member; a second driving member has a second connection section; a front section of a second scissor body has a second cutting section, a driven section and a second pivot section; and the driven section is driven by a first linkage and a second linkage to prevent the pruning shears from being damaged due to excessive force imposing.