Battery Powered Portable Log Splitter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional log splitters, particularly gas-powered and electric corded models, are cumbersome, require frequent maintenance, consume fossil fuels, produce pollution, and are not suitable for indoor use or single-person operation, with limitations in portability and power performance.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated portable log splitter powered by lithium-ion batteries and a DC motor, which operates a hydraulic pump system to split logs without the need for gas or electrical cords, featuring a steel frame, adjustable legs, and a track system for easy log handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gas-powered log splitters are used for tougher and larger logs, then splitting power is improved, but weight increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into removable battery packs that can be attached or detached from the log splitter. This allows the user to carry only the necessary components when transporting, significantly reducing the weight of the moving object while maintaining full splitting power when batteries are attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the power parameter by adding or removing different battery configurations. The log splitter can operate with varying power levels depending on the battery capacity, enabling the same device to handle both small portable applications and larger tougher logs without requiring different equipment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional electric corded models are used, then power supply is continuous, but portability deteriorates due to cord requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical constraint of an electrical cord is replaced by a wireless battery-powered system. The log splitter uses onboard lithium-ion batteries to provide continuous power without requiring physical connection to an electrical outlet, enabling complete portability while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Power is stored in advance in the lithium-ion batteries before operation begins. This preliminary energy storage allows the device to operate independently without real-time connection to power sources, eliminating cord requirements while ensuring continuous power availability throughout the battery's charge cycle.
3Power
If gas-powered splitters are used, then splitting capability is improved, but environmental harm increases due to fossil fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion engine system is replaced with an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. This substitution eliminates the burning of fossil fuels and associated emissions of harmful gases, while the electric motor provides sufficient splitting capability through the hydraulic pump system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously harmful reliance on fossil fuels into a beneficial zero-emission power system. By using rechargeable batteries, the system transforms the problem of fuel consumption into an advantage of using clean, renewable energy sources that can be charged from various sources including solar power.
4Power
If gas-powered splitters are used, then splitting power is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex internal combustion engine with multiple moving parts requiring maintenance is replaced with a simpler electric motor system. The battery-powered DC motor has fewer components that can wear or fail, eliminating the need for oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel system maintenance while maintaining adequate splitting power.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is designed to be self-maintaining with no regular service intervals required. The sealed lithium-ion batteries do not require fuel additions, oil changes, or filter replacements, allowing the system to operate autonomously without user intervention for maintenance, unlike gas-powered alternatives.
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 provides a lightweight, environmentally friendly, and high-performance log splitter that is easily portable, reduces maintenance needs, and eliminates the use of fossil fuels and electrical cords, enabling efficient splitting of logs for various applications like outdoor firepits and campfires.
Implementation Method 1
a direct current (DC) motor for activating the hydraulic pump system where the DC motor receives DC supply from the lithium-ion batteries
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump system for performing a hydraulic function for splitting logs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Li-Ion battery powered log splitter. The log splitter includes a steel frame having height adjustable legs and wheels for making the device both adjustable vertically and portable. The log splitter also features a hydraulic pump system powered by an integrated direct current (DC) motor. The DC motor receives power from the Li-Ion battery and spins the pump system for activating a steel plate and rod mechanism to section a log of wood placed on a track of the log splitter into at least two pieces. The size and output of the batteries, motor, and pump can be increased or decreased to suit user preference or need, and users can easily operate the log splitter to easily and safely split wood into sections or pieces for campfires, outdoor fire pits, ovens and much more.