String Trimmer Attachment With Dual Driven Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional string trimmer attachments face issues with line loading, tangling, and vibration, particularly when using fixed-line trimmer heads, which complicate the process and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A string trimmer attachment with a body defining central openings and line-holding structures featuring eyelets and radial slots that guide and secure trimming lines, allowing for easy loading and operation without the need for tools, and a dual driven member configuration for enhanced stability and reduced vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixed-line trimmer heads are used, then line loading is accomplished, but the process is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment body is divided into distinct functional segments: driven members for rotation, line-holding structures for securing lines, and guide channels for line routing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall line loading process simpler and faster
Solution Approach 2:
Guide channels act as intermediaries between the line-holding structures and the exit openings, providing a predetermined path that directs the trimming lines smoothly. This intermediary structure prevents tangling and simplifies the loading process by eliminating the need for complex manual routing
2Reliability
If fixed-line trimmer heads are used, then trimming lines are held in place, but line tangling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Guide channels serve as intermediary structures that provide a predetermined path for the trimming lines between the line-holding structures and exit openings. This controlled routing prevents random line movement and tangling while maintaining secure line holding through the eyelet and slot mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The line-holding structures use a combination of radial slots and circumferential eyelets, creating a three-dimensional securing mechanism that constrains lines in multiple directions. This multi-dimensional approach prevents line tangling by restricting line movement to specific controlled paths
3Productivity
If conventional trimmer heads are used, then trimming operation is performed, but vibration is generated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple driven members are combined within a single attachment body, with each driven member having associated line-holding structures. This merging of multiple functional elements into one integrated unit balances the rotating mass and reduces vibration while maintaining trimming efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The driven members and line-holding structures are positioned asymmetrically within the attachment body rather than in a simple radial pattern. This asymmetric distribution helps balance the rotating assembly and minimize vibration during operation
4Reliability
If multiple line-holding structures are provided, then line security is improved, but attachment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each line-holding structure combines multiple functions: the eyelet secures the line end, the radial slot guides the line, and the guide channels direct the line to the exit opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining reliability while limiting complexity growth
Data Source
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AI summary
A string trimmer attachment and a method of operating a string trimmer. The string trimmer attachment includes an attachment body defining a central opening positionable on a body of a trimmer head, and a line-holding structure supported on the attachment body and operable to hold a trimming line extending radially-outwardly from the attachment body. The line-holding structure defines a pair of circumferentially-spaced line insert openings and a pair of eyelets spaced circumferentially outside the line insert openings. The trimming line has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The line insert openings is operable to receive the intermediate portion, one of the pair of eyelets is operable to receive a portion of the trimming line with the first end extending radially-outwardly, the other of the pair of eyelets being operable to receive a portion of the trimming line with the second end extending radially-outwardly.