Device for splitting logs

Abstract

A device for splitting logs, comprising the following: i) a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic links below the base 101, with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends of the links, for moving the base 101; ii) a pair of curved toothed flaps 102 arranged on a pair of sliding units 103 provided at a leading edge of the base 101 to grip a log between the flaps 102; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 synchronized with a laser sensor provided on the base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the base 101 to determine a position and height of the log on a ground surface, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the wheels accordingly to position the base 101 next to the log and to actuate the telescopic link to position the flaps 102 around the log in order to grip the log; iv) a rigid L-shaped element 105 attached perpendicularly to the base 101, a hydraulic piston provided at an upper end of the L-shaped element 105, the piston having at its end a cutting blade 106 for splitting the trunk held between the flaps 102; (v) a rigid rectangular plate 107 arranged vertically on the base 101, the plate 107 having a vertically mounted pneumatic plunger, the plunger having a pointed nail 108 at its end for driving the nail 108 into the trunk to provide additional force for splitting; and vi) a pressure sensor provided on element 105 detects a pressure exerted by the hydraulic plunger to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the pneumatic plunger to drive the nail 108 into the trunk to split the trunk when the detected pressure exceeds a threshold pressure.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for splitting logs which is able to determine the position and height of a log on a ground surface in order to securely grip the log and perform the cutting of the log, thereby optimizing the log splitting process with efficiency and precision. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wood processing plays a crucial role in various industries and applications, serving as a fundamental raw material for construction, manufacturing, and energy production. From residential buildings to industrial facilities, wood is a versatile material used for structural support, furniture production, decorative elements, and much more. In the energy sector, wood serves as a renewable fuel source through the combustion of biomass, thus contributing to sustainable energy production. In construction, wood is used for frames, floors, roofs, and other structural components due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. In the manufacturing industry, wood is processed into a wide range of products such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and decorative items.

[0003] Traditionally, the process relies heavily on manual labor, with workers manually positioning and holding logs and using handheld or stationary splitting tools. However, this traditional method is often time-consuming and labor-intensive, and poses safety risks to operators due to the physical exertion and repetitive movements. Therefore, there is a need to develop a device that ensures a safe and efficient log splitting process, reduces the risks associated with the manual method, and thus represents a significant improvement over conventional methods.

[0004] CN203578217U discloses a wood block separator comprising a casing, an inlet, and an outlet. An inclined main screen is arranged within the casing, a wood block collection chamber is located in one side of the casing, a wood block inlet is situated between the wood block collection chamber and the casing and is located below the upper end of the main screen, a stop plate and a sensor are located within the wood block collection chamber, a motor is located outside the wood block collection chamber, and the automation of the wood block separation is achieved by an external control system. This arrangement allows contaminants such as wood blocks, fabric strips, and wicker to be automatically and continuously removed from the coal dust, preventing clogging of the coal dust lines and improving the operational stability of the separator.Although the CN'217 is primarily designed for the separation of impurities from coal dust and uses an inclined main grid and a wood block collection chamber, the device is not able to efficiently meet the specific requirements of wood splitting as disclosed in the present invention.

[0005] KR102105372B1 discloses a device and a method for producing an inner and outer wooden block to represent a split surface of a wooden board as a design element. The device for producing a wooden block consists of: a support frame; a cylinder provided transversely on the support frame and equipped with a piston that moves forwards and backwards under pressure; a guide section located in the lower part of the piston's path of travel; and an axe blade that is erect and positioned in front of the guide section. KR'372, a device and method for producing wooden blocks for indoor and outdoor use to represent a split surface of a wooden board as a design element, is, however, unable to focus on splitting logs for practical applications as disclosed in the present invention.

[0006] Many machines have been developed for various woodworking tasks, such as splitting, shaping, and finishing wood. However, these machines lack certain essential features and capabilities required for optimal performance and efficiency. A common limitation is the lack of automation and precision in woodworking, leading to inefficiency, inconsistencies, and safety concerns.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, there is a need to develop a device that improves efficiency, consistency and safety while meeting the evolving needs and challenges of the modern wood processing industry. OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] The main objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to develop a device that determines the position and height of a log on a ground surface in order to securely grip the log and perform the cutting of the log, thereby optimizing the log splitting process with efficiency and precision.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors the pressure exerted during the splitting process and automatically adjusts the splitting force accordingly to ensure a safe and effective splitting process.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that provides an additional splitting force by means of an instrument that increases the efficiency of the splitting process without compromising safety.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy to operate.

[0013] The aforementioned and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a device for splitting logs, which determines the position and height of a log on a ground surface in order to securely grip the log, to perform the cutting of the log together with monitoring the pressure exerted during the splitting process, in order to automatically adjust the splitting force accordingly to ensure safe and effective splitting operations.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a log-splitting device comprises a rectangular base with four telescopic sections below the base, with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends of the sections for moving the base; a pair of curved, toothed flaps arranged on a pair of sliding units provided at a front edge of the base for gripping a log between the flaps; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit synchronized with a laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on a ground surface; a rigid L-shaped element mounted perpendicularly to the base; a hydraulic piston provided at an upper end of the L-shaped element, the piston having at that end a cutting blade for splitting the log held between the flaps; and a rigid rectangular plate.which is arranged vertically on the base, the plate having a vertically mounted pneumatic plunger, the plunger having a pointed nail at the end to drive the nail into the log to provide additional force for splitting, a pressure sensor provided on the element detects pressure exerted by the hydraulic plunger, a microphone provided on the base to receive an audio command from a user regarding initiating the log splitting, to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the imaging unit in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, to actuate the wheels to position the base next to the log and to actuate the telescope,

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a wireless communication module provided at the base to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by establishing a connection with a computing unit to actuate the imaging unit in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, to actuate the wheels to position the base next to the log, and to actuate the telescopic arm to position the flaps around the log to grip the log; a touch-sensitive display to enable the user to make a touch input regarding the initiation of log splitting, to actuate the imaging unit in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, and to actuate the wheels.to position the base next to the trunk and to operate the telescopic section to position the flaps around the trunk for gripping the trunk, and a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it is obvious that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0018] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawing: Fig. shows a perspective view of a wood splitter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It is clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

[0020] In each embodiment described herein, the open terms “comprising”, “comprises” and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “with” and “characterized by”) can be replaced by the respective partially closed expressions “consists substantially of”, “consists substantially of” and the like, or the respective closed expressions “consists of”, “consists of” and the like.

[0021] The singular forms “ein”, “ein” and “die” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless explicitly only the singular is meant.

[0022] The present invention relates to a device for splitting logs, which is able to securely grip logs and perform the cutting of the log together with monitoring the pressure exerted during the splitting process in order to automatically adjust the splitting force accordingly, thereby ensuring safe and effective splitting operations.

[0023] Referring to Fig.Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for splitting logs, comprising a rectangular base 101 positioned on a floor surface, a pair of curved toothed flaps 102 arranged on a pair of sliding units 103 provided on the base 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 provided on the base 101, a rigid L-shaped element 105 mounted perpendicularly on the base 101 and having a cutting blade 106, a rigid rectangular plate 107 arranged vertically on the base 101 and having a pointed nail 108, and a touchable display 109 provided on the base 101.

[0024] The device proposed here consists of a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic links below the base 101, with motorized, omnidirectional wheels at the ends of the links for moving the base 101. A pair of curved, toothed flaps 102 are arranged on a pair of sliding units 103, which are provided at a leading edge of the base 101 to grip a log between the flaps 102.

[0025] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, synchronized with a laser sensor, is provided at the base 101 to determine the position and height of the log on a ground surface. An integrated microcontroller connected to the device first actuates the imaging unit 104. The imaging unit 104 comprises an image acquisition arrangement with a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the log, and the captured images are stored in the imaging unit 104's memory as optical data. The imaging unit 104 also includes a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, enabling the processor to process the optical data and extract the necessary data from the captured images. The extracted data is then converted into digital pulses and bits and transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0026] The microcontroller simultaneously activates the laser sensor, which comprises two main components: a laser diode that emits the laser beam and a photodiode that detects the reflected light. When the sensor is activated by the microcontroller, the laser diode emits a short laser pulse toward the log. The light is reflected from the surface and returns to the sensor. The photodiode then detects this reflected light. By precisely measuring the time the laser pulse takes to travel to the target and back, the sensor calculates the distance. The pattern of the received pulse is converted into an analog value, which is then converted into an electrical signal that is sent to the microcontroller.The microcontroller then processes the received signals from both the imaging unit 104 and the laser sensor, thus determining the position and height of the log, whereupon the microcontroller actuates the wheels to position the base 101 next to the log, and actuates the telescopic linkage to position the flaps 102 around the log in order to grip the log.

[0027] A rigid L-shaped element 105 is mounted perpendicularly on the base 101. A hydraulic piston is provided at one upper end of the L-shaped element 105. The piston has a cutting blade 106 at its end for splitting the log held between the flaps 102. The hydraulic ram operates on the principle of hydraulic pressure transmission. The ram consists of several main components, including a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, hydraulic fluid, and control valves. When activated by the microcontroller, the hydraulic fluid is pressurized and directed into the hydraulic cylinder, setting the piston in motion. As the piston moves toward the die, it exerts an optimal force on the cutting blade 106 at its end to split the log held between the flaps 102. A rigid rectangular plate 107 is arranged vertically on the base 101. The plate 107 has a vertically mounted pneumatic plunger with a pointed nail 108 at its end. This nail 108 is driven into the log, generating additional force for splitting. The pneumatic plunger operates using compressed air as its energy source. The slide is equipped with a control valve that regulates the delivery of this compressed air to an actuator, which is responsible for converting the energy into linear motion. When the valve is opened, compressed air flows into the actuator, causing it to extend and exert a thrust. When the valve is closed, the actuator retracts. In this way, force is exerted on the nail 108 to drive it into the log, generating additional force for splitting. • Element 105 is equipped with a pressure sensor that detects the pressure exerted by the hydraulic piston. The pressure sensor includes a transducer, so that when the hydraulic piston touches the log, a force is exerted on the log by the hydraulic piston. This force causes a diaphragm inside the transducer to deflect. The deflection is monitored by the transducer and converted into an electrical signal, which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received pressure and detects the pressure exerted by the hydraulic piston. Accordingly, if the detected pressure exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the pneumatic plunger to drive the nail 108 into the log to split it. A microphone is connected to the microcontroller located on base 101 to receive an audio command from the user to initiate the log splitting process. The microphone acts as a transducer, converting sound waves into audio signals. The microphone converts the user's input signal into an electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. Receiving the signals, the microcontroller, in synchronization with the laser sensor, actuates the imaging unit 104 to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface. It then actuates the wheels to position base 101 near the log and extends the telescopic linkage to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip it. • A wireless communication module is connected to the microcontroller provided on the base 101, enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting it to a computing unit. The computing unit is connected via the integrated communication module, which includes a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit. This allows the user to actuate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, to actuate the wheels to position the base 101 next to the log, and to actuate the telescopic arm to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip it. A touch-sensitive display 109 is connected to the microcontroller and mounted on the base 101 to allow the user to provide touch inputs for initiating the log splitting process. The display 109 consists of tiny wires that complete a circuit when connected by the user's touch while providing input data. The input data is recorded in a microcontroller database for processing. This data is used to actuate the imaging unit 104, in synchronization with the laser sensor, to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface; to actuate the wheels to position the base 101 next to the log; and to actuate the telescopic arm to position the flaps 102 around the log for gripping the log. The device is connected to a battery to provide the necessary power for its electronic and electrical components, including the microcontroller, electrically operated sensors, motorized components, and the like. The battery within the device is preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that recharges by drawing the required energy from an external power source. The energy is stored in the battery as chemical energy, which, when required by the device's components, releases the necessary energy as electrical current to ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the device. The present invention works best in the following manner, wherein the rectangular base 101 has four telescopic sections beneath it, with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends of the sections for moving the base 101, the imaging unit 104 determining the position and height of the log on a ground surface. The rigid L-shaped element 105 is mounted perpendicularly on the base 101, with a hydraulic piston provided at an upper end of the L-shaped element 105, the piston having at its end a cutting blade 106 for splitting the log held between the flaps 102. The rigid rectangular plate 107 is arranged vertically on the base 101, the plate 107 having a vertically mounted pneumatic plunger with a pointed nail 108 at its end for driving the nail 108 into the log and thus generating additional force for splitting.The pressure sensor on component 105 detects the pressure exerted by the hydraulic piston, and the microcontroller accordingly actuates the pneumatic plunger to drive the nail 108 into the log to split it when the detected pressure exceeds a threshold. The microphone is connected to the microcontroller, located on base 101, to receive an audio command from the user to initiate the log splitting process. The wireless communication module is connected to the microcontroller and located on base 101 to allow the user to trigger the microcontroller remotely by connecting to a processing unit.The touch-activated display 109 is connected to the microcontroller and provided on the base 101 so that the user can make a touch input to initiate the wood splitting and operate the telescopic link to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip the log. • Although the scope of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be understood in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will be obvious to the person skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 203578217U

[0004] KR 102105372B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] A device for splitting logs, comprising: i) a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic links below the base 101, with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends of the links, for moving the base 101; ii) a pair of curved toothed flaps 102 arranged on a pair of sliding units 103 provided on a front edge of the base 101 for gripping a log between the flaps 102; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 synchronized with a laser sensor provided on the base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the base 101 to determine a position and height of the log on a ground surface, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the wheels accordingly to position the base 101 next to the log and to actuate the telescopic member to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip the log; iv) a rigid L-shaped element 105 mounted vertically on the base 101, a hydraulic piston provided at an upper end of the L-shaped element 105, the piston having at its end a cutting blade 106 for splitting the log held between the flaps 102; v) a rigid rectangular plate 107 disposed vertically on the base 101, the plate 107 having a vertically mounted pneumatic ram, the ram having a pointed nail 108 at the end for driving the nail 108 into the log to provide additional force for splitting; and vi) a pressure sensor provided on the element 105 detects a pressure exerted by the hydraulic ram to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the pneumatic ram to drive the nail 108 into the log to split the log when the detected pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein a microphone connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to receive an audio command from a user regarding the initiation of the log splitting, to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, to actuate the wheels to position the base 101 near the log and to actuate the telescopic link to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip the log. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to allow the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting it to a computing unit to operate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, to operate the wheels to position the base 101 near the log and to operate the telescopic link to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip the log. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a touchscreen display 109 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to enable the user to provide touch input regarding initiation of log splitting, to operate the imaging unit 104 in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine the position and height of the log on the ground surface, to operate the wheels to position the base 101 next to the log, and to operate the telescopic member to position the flaps 102 around the log to grip the log. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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