Pruning Tool Short Handle and Adjustable Jaw Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pruning tools with telescopic poles are uncomfortable to use in narrow spaces and lack an adjustment mechanism for the cutting jaw width, leading to inefficiencies and cumbersome storage of the pulling member.

Innovation Solution

A pruning tool with a short handle (10-30 cm) and an adjustment arrangement for the cutting jaw, featuring a channel for the drive cable and a pulling member with storage options, enhancing ergonomics and usability in confined areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a telescopic pole is used in pruning tools, then the cutting range is extended, but the tool becomes uncomfortable to use in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting rangeVSAvoidusability in narrow spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pruning tool employs a telescopic pole that can dynamically adjust its length. The pole can be extended to reach high branches in open areas and retracted to become compact for use in narrow spaces, allowing the tool to adapt its cutting range according to the working environment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a constant width cutting jaw is used, then the structure is simple, but the tool cannot accommodate both smaller and larger branches effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting jaw structureVSAvoidbranch size accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting jaw incorporates an adjustable width mechanism that allows the jaw width to be dynamically changed. Users can expand the jaw width for larger branches and reduce it for smaller branches, enabling the tool to handle various branch sizes effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting jaw width parameter can be adjusted according to the branch size being cut. By changing the jaw width parameter, the tool adapts to different cutting requirements without requiring complete structural redesign, achieving versatility with minimal complexity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the pulling member is left hanging free, then the structure is simple, but it becomes cumbersome during storage, transportation and cutting operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulling member structureVSAvoidstorage and transportation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling member is designed to be stored within the hollow handle structure when not in use. The pulling member can be inserted into the handle's internal cavity, keeping it organized and preventing it from hanging free, which eliminates the cumbersome issue during storage and transportation while adding minimal structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Force

If a long handle is used, then the leverage is improved, but the tool becomes difficult to operate in confined areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting leverageVSAvoidmaneuverability in confined areas
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle length is optimized to provide sufficient leverage for cutting operations while remaining compact enough for maneuverability in confined spaces. The balance between handle length and overall tool compactness allows users to achieve adequate cutting force without sacrificing the ability to operate in narrow or confined areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3395160B1Pruning tool
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3395160B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3395160B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3395160B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention discloses a pruning tool (100) which includes a cutting assembly (102) with a blade arrangement including at least one movable component (104), a drive cable (156) attached to the at least one movable component at a first end (158) of the drive cable which is configured to actuate the at least one movable component, and an intermediate portion (103) coupled to the cutting assembly. Further, the pruning tool includes a handle (126) provided adjacent to the intermediate portion, wherein the handle is configured to be grasped by a user during operation of the pruning tool. The handle has a length in a range of about 10 cm to 30cm. A channel (136) is formed in the handle, wherein a second end (160) of the drive cable is received through the channel.