Rotating Trimming Head Centrifugal Ejection for Sprinkler Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trimming apparatuses for cutting grass and vegetation adjacent sprinkler heads require manual removal of cut material, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable trimming apparatus with a cutting head featuring radially extending arms and a cutting element with angled parts, creating centrifugal forces to cut and eject vegetation away from the sprinkler head, eliminating the need for manual removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual removal of cut grass is required, then the cutting function is simple, but the time consumption and labor demand increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting and removal efficiencyVSAvoidcutting head structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cutting function and material removal function into a single integrated cutting head. The cutting elements are arranged radially on a rotating head, where the rotation simultaneously cuts grass and ejects it outward, eliminating the need for separate manual removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating cutting head automatically performs both cutting and material removal without requiring user intervention. The centrifugal force generated by rotation naturally ejects cut grass outward, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual cleanup operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If cutting blades rotate within a tubular part, then the cutting function is achieved, but the cut material accumulates and requires manual removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidtime for manual removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotating cutting head where the dynamic rotation generates centrifugal force that continuously ejects cut material outward. This dynamic mechanism transforms the static accumulation problem into an active removal process, making operation convenient and time-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful accumulation of cut material into a beneficial ejection process. The centrifugal force that would normally cause material to pile up is instead harnessed to throw cut grass outward, transforming a problem into a solution that automatically clears the work area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If the cutting element has a simple shape, then the manufacturing is easy, but the cutting and removal performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevegetation removal efficiencyVSAvoidcutting element fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting element is segmented into multiple functional parts: a central body portion and multiple blade portions extending radially. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function (cutting, ejection) while maintaining relative simplicity in manufacturing. The modular design facilitates easier fabrication compared to a monolithic complex shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient cutting and removal of vegetation without user intervention, improving operational efficiency by utilizing centrifugal forces to clear vegetation from the area around sprinkler heads.

Implementation Method 1

because of the accumulation of the cut materia in front of the rear part the cut materia will be forced radially outwards from the cutting head. The rear part creates centrifugal forces acting on the cut materia forcing the cut materia radially outwards from the cutting head.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4424145A1A rotatable part of a trimming apparatus and a trimming apparatus for cutting and removing of grass and other vegetation adjacent a sprinkler head of a watering system
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 KSAB GOLF EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4424145A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4424145A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4424145A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rotatable part (1) of a trimming apparatus (3) arranged for cutting and removing of grass and other vegetation adjacent a sprinkler head of a watering system is described. The rotatable part (1) comprises an elongated shaft (5) and a cutting head (11) connected to the elongated shaft (5). The cutting head (11) comprises at least one arm (15), preferably three arms (15). The at least one arm (15) comprises a cutting element (17) connected to a distal end (19) of the at least one arm (15). The cutting element (17) comprises a central part (21) connected tangentially to an outermost edge (23) of the distal end (19) of the at least one arm (15) radially in relation to the connection central portion (13), and a rear part (25) arranged at an angle (α) in relation to the central part (21) and arranged at a rear edge (27) of the central part (21) in relation to a rotational direction (rd) of the cutting head (11) during rotation of the cutting head (11). A trimming apparatus (3) comprising a rotatable part (1) is also described.