Angled Gravity Collector for Wood Splitter Kindling Gathering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wood splitting technologies are inefficient in splitting logs into kindling and do not facilitate easy gathering and transport of the kindling, leading to ergonomic challenges and material wastage.

Innovation Solution

A wood splitter apparatus comprising a base portion, leg portion, cross member, blade portion, guide portion, collector portion, and collector retainer, designed to split various types of wood, with a collector portion angled to collect kindling pieces using gravity, and a handle for easy transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wood splitting methods are used, then wood can be split into kindling, but the gathering and transport of kindling is difficult and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of gathering and transportVSAvoidtime for manual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the splitting function and collection function into a single integrated apparatus. The collector portion is positioned to receive kindling directly from the blade portion, merging the separation and collection operations into one continuous process, thereby eliminating the need for separate gathering and transport steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed so that the kindling automatically falls into the collector portion through gravity after being split by the blade. The system serves itself by capturing the kindling without requiring manual intervention for gathering, thus reducing labor and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If manual handling of kindling is required, then kindling can be collected, but user effort increases and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of kindling collectedVSAvoiduser effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collector portion is positioned at a lower elevation than the blade portion, creating a gravity-driven flow path for kindling. This elevation difference allows kindling to move from the splitting zone to the collection zone without requiring lifting or manual handling, reducing user effort while maximizing collection capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The collector portion acts as an intermediary structure that receives kindling directly from the blade portion. This intermediate collection mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually gather scattered kindling, thereby increasing the amount collected while decreasing physical effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the collector portion is positioned to maximize kindling collection, then gathering efficiency improves, but the apparatus complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekindling collection efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into distinct functional portions: the blade portion for splitting and the collector portion for collection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The collector portion can be positioned independently to maximize efficiency without complicating the entire apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collector portion is positioned in a different spatial dimension (below and behind the blade portion) to receive kindling through gravity. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes collection efficiency by capturing kindling as it falls, while the modular design keeps the overall apparatus structure simple and manageable.

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

The apparatus efficiently splits logs into kindling, collects pieces using gravity, and facilitates easy transport, reducing user effort and material wastage by maximizing the number of pieces split and eliminating the need for manual handling during the splitting process.

Implementation Method 1

a collector portion (22) having a central axis (C) that is non-perpendicular to a ground supporting surface (E)... such that kindling (60) that falls into the collector (22) will slide or fall, or slide and fall to one side of the collector (22) for the gravity assisted gathering of split kindling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10792835B2Kindling splitter apparatus and methods of use

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 MARQUETTE SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A wood splitter apparatus comprising a base portion and a leg portion extending upwards from the base portion. An elevated cross member portion extending across the leg portion. A blade portion extending superiorly from the cross member portion. A leading upward edge at a superior aspect of the blade portion for splitting wood. A first splitter surface angled from a second splitter surface inferior to the leading upward edge. A collector portion positioned below the blade portion where the collector portion has a capture space. The collector having a floor face at a bottom of said capture space. The collector portion supported at an angle such that the floor face is sloped defining a high side and a low side where kindling split from a log over the blade portion falls into the high side of the collector portion and gathers on the low side of the collector portion.