Weed Jointer Brush Disk Alignment and Motor Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weed jointers lack intuitive operation and cause operator fatigue due to unclear alignment of the brush disk with the central plane, leading to difficulties in cleaning joints effectively and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The weed jointer design ensures the brush disk is positioned on a central plane coinciding with the motor unit and handle unit planes, minimizing tilting moments and allowing for symmetrical operation, with a protective hood and markings for easy alignment, and a torque transmission device for efficient motor placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the motor unit is positioned at the proximal end, then the device structure is simplified, but the brush disc alignment with the central plane becomes unclear causing operator fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidbrush disc alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the motor unit from the proximal end to the distal end of the device, changing the spatial dimension of component arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the brush disc to be aligned with the central plane of the device, providing clear visual and operational alignment cues for the operator while maintaining structural efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the brush disc is positioned away from the central plane, then the motor unit can be compactly arranged, but the operator experiences fatigue due to tilting moments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor unit arrangementVSAvoidoperator fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the motor unit is placed at the distal end rather than symmetrically at the proximal end. This asymmetric arrangement enables the brush disc to coincide with the central plane, eliminating tilting moments during operation and preventing operator fatigue while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Strength

If the motor unit has large lateral dimensions, then the motor can be robustly constructed, but the edge clearance for joint cleaning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor constructionVSAvoidedge clearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the motor unit along the longitudinal axis to the distal end, utilizing the length dimension rather than occupying lateral space. This dimensional shift allows the motor to be robustly constructed while maintaining small lateral dimensions, thereby preserving excellent edge clearance for effective joint cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enhances intuitive operation, reduces operator fatigue, allows for compact and accessible joint cleaning, and enables effective edge mobility with reduced brush wear and improved cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a drive motor (32) for the brush disc (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a brush disc (22) for removing weeds from joints

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

a brush disc (22) for removing weeds from joints

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3456197B1Weed grooving machine
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
  • EP3456197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3456197B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3456197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A weed joint milling machine is proposed, comprising at least one brush disc (22) rotatably mounted about a pivot axis (50), a motor unit (12) with a drive motor (32) for the at least one brush disc (22) and with a first median plane (64) oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis (50), a support rod device (14) on which the motor unit (12) is arranged and which has a second median plane (68) perpendicular to the pivot axis (50), and a handle unit (16) which is arranged on the support rod device (14) and which has a third median plane (70) perpendicular to the pivot axis (50).wherein the at least one brush disc (22) is located at the first median plane (64) and/or the second median plane (68) and/or the third median plane (70) or has a distance of at most twice the thickness (D) of the at least one brush disc (22) in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (50) to the first median plane (64) and/or the second median plane (68) and/or the third median plane (70).