Segmented Cutting Wheel Reduces Fastener Shear Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stump cutting devices face challenges in efficiently cutting stumps due to the high shear load on fasteners and potential for fastener failure, as well as complexity in securing tool holders, which can lead to wear and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A stump cutting apparatus featuring a cutting wheel with multiple sections that interlock, providing a common rotational axis and a unique fastening system using a holder block and fasteners that reduce shear load on fasteners and simplify maintenance by allowing easy replacement of broken parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stump cutting devices use traditional fastening systems with tool holders secured to the cutting wheel, then the cutting function is achieved, but the shear load on fasteners becomes excessively high leading to fastener failure and increased maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting wheel is divided into multiple sections that can be independently secured to the hub assembly. This segmentation allows the cutting wheel to be broken into smaller, more manageable sections that reduce the overall shear load on each fastener while maintaining the structural integrity and cutting function of the entire wheel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tool holder from the traditional fastening system and integrates its function directly into the cutting wheel sections. By incorporating cutting elements directly onto the wheel sections rather than using separate tool holders requiring multiple fasteners, the design eliminates the high shear load problem associated with traditional tool holder fastening systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional stump cutting devices use complex fastening systems to secure tool holders, then the cutting wheel can be assembled, but the complexity of securing tool holders increases leading to more wear and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool holder function with the cutting wheel sections themselves. Instead of using separate tool holders that require complex fastening systems, the cutting elements are integrated directly into the wheel sections, which are then secured to the hub assembly using a simplified fastening system. This reduces the number of components and fastening steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting wheel sections serve multiple functions: they provide the structural framework of the wheel, incorporate the cutting elements directly, and can be independently secured to the hub assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tool holders and their associated complex fastening systems, simplifying both assembly and maintenance.
3Strength
If the cutting wheel is made as a single solid piece, then structural integrity is maximized, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting wheel is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled together using the hub assembly and fasteners. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through proper design of the section connections and fastening system.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cutting wheel (12) for use with a stump cutting apparatus (10); wherein the cutting wheel (12) includes first and second sections. The first and second sections including a support member, with a tool holder (14) attached to the support member (92). Each of the first and second sections having a notch (336,338) therein, the respective notches (336,338) cooperating to form a joint between the first and second sections.