Work Apparatus Force Limiting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing open-close work implement is limited in its ability to maintain a consistent maximum force value when handling objects of varying sizes or thicknesses, as the gap between the contact and receiving parts changes, affecting the holding or cutting force.

Innovation Solution

A work apparatus with a mobilization part and a contact part that deforms to maintain a constant distance from the contact receiving part until a prescribed resistance is reached, at which point the contact part comes into contact, reducing the transmission ratio of further applied force to prevent excessive force on the work part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gap between the contact part and the receiving part is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the maximum force value changes when handling objects of varying sizes or thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to maintain consistent maximum force valueVSAvoidstructure of force transmission mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact part is designed to be movable relative to the receiving part through a force transmission mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the gap between the contact part and receiving part to adjust automatically based on the size and thickness of the handled object, enabling consistent maximum force value while adapting to varying object dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The force transmission mechanism changes the gap parameter between the contact part and receiving part according to the object being handled. By dynamically adjusting this dimensional parameter, the system maintains a consistent maximum force value regardless of variations in object size or thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the contact part is made movable to adjust for varying object sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to varying object sizes and thicknessesVSAvoidforce transmission mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact part is designed to be movable relative to the receiving part through a force transmission mechanism. This dynamic structure allows the gap between the contact part and receiving part to adjust automatically based on the size and thickness of the handled object, enabling consistent maximum force value while adapting to varying object dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If additional force transmission components are added to maintain constant force, then the force consistency improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of maximum force valueVSAvoidsimplicity of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission mechanism is designed to automatically adjust the gap between the contact part and receiving part based on the object being handled. The system self-regulates to maintain consistent maximum force value without requiring the operator to manually adjust settings or apply different levels of caution for different objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 consistent force application across varying object sizes and thicknesses, preventing excessive force and allowing for delicate operations without damaging the object, and is applicable beyond holding and cutting to tasks like pressing, tightening, and stirring.

Implementation Method 1

the mobilized contact part 5 adapted to be mobilized by deformation of the mobilization part 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3012070B1Work apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 NASHIMOTO IND
  • EP3012070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3012070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3012070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An objective of the invention is to provide a work apparatus in which the maximum value of the force acting on a work object is unchanged even when the size of the object varies, the work apparatus not exerting force in excess of a prescribed value. The work apparatus is provided with a first member (1) and a second member (2), at least one of which is moveable, and is additionally provided with a work part (3) operated by movement of the first member (1) or the second member (2). Either the first member (1) or the second member (2) is furnished with a mobilization part (4) and a mobilized contact part (5), while the other is furnished with a contact receiving part (6). When the operating resistance of the work part (3) reaches a prescribed value, the mobilized contact part (5), having been mobilized in a direction different from the direction of movement prior to contact due to deformation of the mobilization part (4), comes into contact against the contact receiving part (6), and in this state of contact of the mobilized contact part (5) against the contact receiving part (6), force further applied to the moveable first member (1) or the second member (2) is not transmitted to the work part (3).