Bi-directional Feed Roller for Tree Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tree processing devices lack the capability for bi-directional rotation of feed rollers, limiting the reversal of feed direction and traction retention for tree trunks between feed rollers.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional rotation feed roller design featuring a drive wheel with sloped media engagement thumb nails, reinforcement rings, and plates, allowing for reversible motion while maintaining traction and minimizing media damage, integrated with a drive disc and reinforcement structures for attachment to tree harvesters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional feed rollers are used in tree processing devices, then the feed direction can be maintained in one direction, but the capability to reverse feed direction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed direction reversal capabilityVSAvoidroller rotation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed roller is designed with a dynamic rotation capability that allows it to rotate in both directions (bi-directional rotation). The roller can switch between forward rotation and reverse rotation based on operational needs, enabling feed direction reversal while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through controlled rotational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If bi-directional rotation is implemented, then feed direction can be reversed, but traction and holding properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeed direction reversalVSAvoidtraction and holding properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller surface is designed with specific local qualities including longitudinal ridges and circumferential grooves that provide enhanced traction. The material composition and surface texture are optimized to maintain high friction coefficients in both forward and reverse rotation, ensuring that traction and holding properties are preserved regardless of rotation direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If media engagement thumb nails are added to the drive wheel, then media engagement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia engagementVSAvoiddrive wheel fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive wheel is segmented into distinct functional components: the main wheel body, the media engagement thumb nails, and the reinforcement rings. The thumb nails are positioned in recesses within the wheel structure, allowing them to be separately manufactured and then assembled into the wheel. This segmentation enables complex media engagement features to be added while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 the reversal of feed direction and retention of traction for tree trunks, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing damage during tree processing by providing bi-directional motion and effective engagement with the media.

Implementation Method 1

retaining traction and holding properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

media engagement thumb nails (drive wedges)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

plurality of reinforcement rings and a plurality of reinforcement plates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural Strength:

Implementation Method 4

drive wheel includes a drive cylinder and a plurality of media engagement thumb nails

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10625269B1Bi-directional rotation feed roller for tree processing devices

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 PETERSON JESSE R

AI summary

A bi-directional rotation feed roller for tree processing devices preferably includes a drive wheel, a drive disc, a plurality of reinforcement rings and a plurality of reinforcement plates. The drive wheel includes a drive cylinder and a plurality of media engagement thumb nails attached to the drive cylinder. The plurality of media engagement thumb nails are preferably arranged in a plurality of rows. A side wall of the plurality of media engagement thumb nails are preferably angularly offset from a lengthwise axis of the drive plate. The drive disc is attached to the drive wheel in substantially a middle of a with thereof. The plurality of reinforcement rings are attached to an inner perimeter of the drive wheel. The plurality of reinforcement plates are attached to an inside perimeter of the drive wheel between the drive disc and one end of the drive wheel.