Tree Pruner Stop-Pin Lever for Compact Shipping Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tree pruners are wide due to their lever configuration, leading to increased packaging and shipping costs and limited shelf space, necessitating a reduction in width to reduce these costs and optimize storage.
Innovation Solution
A tree pruner design featuring a stop pin arrangement with a leaf spring mechanism that allows the lever to be held in a compact position during shipping and storage, reducing the device's width by up to 90% compared to its operational width, using a stop pin to engage with the back hook to maintain the lever's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a lever is configured to reduce user force in operation, then the cutting force is improved, but the width of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to be movable between a first position (reduced width) and a second position (operational width). During shipping and storage, the lever is held at the first position by a stop pin to minimize device width. During operation, the lever is moved to the second position where it provides the mechanical advantage needed for cutting. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between needing wide leverage for cutting force and narrow profile for shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop pin mechanism is pre-configured to automatically hold the lever in the retracted first position during shipping and storage without requiring active intervention. The leaf spring is pre-loaded to exert force on the stop pin, ensuring the lever remains in the compact position until intentionally activated by the user during operation.
2Area of stationary object
If the device width is reduced for shipping, then shipping costs are reduced, but the lever cannot be positioned for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring automatically performs the work of holding the lever in the retracted position during shipping by exerting force on the stop pin. No additional components or active systems are needed to maintain the compact position - the spring's inherent elasticity provides the self-service function of keeping the lever retracted until operation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static wide position to a dynamic reconfigurable system where the lever can be moved between positions. The stop pin and leaf spring create a dynamic mechanism that automatically maintains the compact position for shipping but allows easy transition to the operational position when needed.
3Volume of stationary object
If the lever is held in a compact position during shipping, then storage space is reduced, but the lever must be repositioned for use
Solution Approach 1:
The stop pin and leaf spring mechanism is pre-configured to automatically hold the lever in the compact first position during shipping and storage. When the user removes the product from packaging, the lever is already in the retracted position ready for quick deployment. The preliminary setup is done during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex assembly or adjustment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring automatically maintains the lever in the compact position without requiring user intervention during shipping and storage. The mechanism serves itself by using the spring's inherent elastic force to keep the stop pin engaged, reducing both storage space requirements and the time needed for setup.
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 design significantly reduces shipping and storage space requirements, thereby lowering costs and increasing the number of products that can be stored, while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a leaf spring 40 on an outer surface of the lever 20, wherein the leaf spring 40 has a first end 41 mounted to the first end of the lever 20, and a second end 42 connected to a first end 51 of a stop pin 50
Implementation Method 2
a stop pin 50 penetrates a middle portion of the lever 20... the second end 52 of the stop pin 50 engages with an outer surface of the back hook 10 to hold the lever 20 at the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A tree pruner configured to reduce the width of the device to facilitate reduction of shipping costs and store space. The tree pruner includes a leaf spring having a first end mounted onto a first end of a lever, and second end connected to a first end of a stop pin, wherein the stop pin penetrates the lever. When the lever is at a first position in a rest condition at shipping or store front, the leaf spring is in tension to exert force on the stop pin to engage with an outer surface of a back hook to hold the lever at the position. When the lever is pulled to a second position for use, the leaf spring is at rest. The the stop pin penetrates all the way through the lever and engages with an edge of the back hook to serve as an end stop for the lever movement.