Adjustable Hydraulic Cylinder Paths for Faster Wood Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wood splitters face inefficiencies due to a fixed hydraulic cylinder path that does not adjust to varying log lengths, leading to prolonged splitting cycles and decreased productivity.
Innovation Solution
A wood splitter with an adjustable hydraulic cylinder path, utilizing sensors and an electromagnetic valve to detect reference points on a sheath, allowing the cylinder to stop at specific positions based on log length, optimizing the splitting cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hydraulic cylinder path is fixed to accommodate the longest log, then all logs can be processed, but shorter logs undergo unnecessarily long splitting cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hydraulic cylinder path adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the cylinder travel distance to match the actual log length being processed. This is achieved through sensors that detect log position and a controller that adjusts the hydraulic cylinder's extension distance accordingly, allowing the splitting cycle to be optimized for each specific log length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of hydraulic cylinder path length from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By using sensors to detect reference points on the log and controller logic to calculate the appropriate cylinder travel distance, the system varies the cylinder path parameter to match each log's specific length requirements, thereby eliminating unnecessary travel for shorter logs.
2Productivity
If measuring rods are used to measure pushing plate movement, then the splitting cycle can be optimized, but the device becomes expensive and sensitive to dirt and impacts
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex physical measuring rods, the patent creates a simplified reference system by placing reference points directly on the log itself. The sensors detect these reference points to determine log position and length. This copying approach transfers the measurement function from a separate complex device to the log's own surface features, eliminating the need for expensive and fragile measuring rods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, sensitive measuring rods with inexpensive reference points that can be simple markings or features on the log surface. These reference points are temporary and specific to each log, requiring no durable construction. The sensors detect these simple references without requiring the reference elements to be permanent or robust, thereby eliminating the cost and complexity of durable measuring devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical setting is used to change hydraulic cylinder path length, then the splitting cycle can be adjusted, but the user must manually interfere and mechanical damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system with an automated sensor-based control system. Instead of requiring manual mechanical settings to change the hydraulic cylinder path length, the system uses sensors to detect log reference points and a controller to automatically calculate and adjust the appropriate cylinder travel distance. This substitution eliminates manual interference and the associated risks of mechanical damage from improper adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting log length through sensors and autonomously controlling the hydraulic cylinder's travel distance. The controller processes sensor data and adjusts the splitting cycle parameters without user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in determining the optimal cylinder path for each log, thereby eliminating manual adjustment operations.
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
The solution enables shorter splitting cycles and increased productivity by allowing the hydraulic cylinder to adjust its path according to log length, using existing sensors and controllers without additional costs.
Implementation Method 1
The preferred choice is the inductive sensor. Said sensor or switch is arranged to detect reference points provided on a sheath attached to the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The controller then with an electromagnetic hydraulic valve adjusts the path of the hydraulic cylinder based on the user's selection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of working machines, more precisely to the field of wood splitters, particularly operation of a hydraulic cylinder in wood splitters. The invention relates to a wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder for optimizing the splitting cycle. The essence of the invention is in that it allows the hydraulic cylinder to be stopped in a certain point and then return to its initial position. The hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a suitable sensor or a switch, which sends information about the position of the cylinder to a controller. Said sensor or switch is arranged to detect reference points provided on a sheath attached to the hydraulic cylinder and moves forwards and backwards with the cylinder. Reference points on the sheath may be holes, cat eyes, detections on steel and similar elements. The controller then with an electromagnetic hydraulic valve adjusts the path of the hydraulic cylinder based on the user's selection of the cylinder movement path, which depends on the length of the logs or resulting firewood, respectively.