Compact Log Splitter With Symmetric Hydraulic Jaws for Low-Protrusion Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional log splitters are cumbersome due to their wide width and protruding components, leading to interference with objects during log handling, and suffer from off-centered weight distribution causing stress and dirt accumulation during log splitting.
Innovation Solution
A compact log splitter design with symmetrically movable jaws and dual hydraulic actuators maintains a consistent width and aligns the center of gravity, minimizing protrusion and reducing stress, using parallel hydraulic cylinders to move jaws between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional log splitter design with a single movable jaw and protruding bar is used, then the log splitting function is achieved, but the total width increases and components protrude beyond the main body, causing interference with objects during log handling
Solution Approach 1:
The single movable jaw is segmented into two separate movable jaws that can independently move toward and away from each other. This segmentation allows the log splitter to maintain a compact width while providing two gripping points for better log handling control
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw actuation mechanism transitions from a linear protruding bar configuration to a compact arrangement where hydraulic actuators move the jaws in a parallel configuration between the jaws, reducing the overall width dimension while maintaining the splitting function
2Ease of operation
If the jaw actuation mechanism uses a protruding bar configuration, then jaw movement is achieved, but the bar significantly protrudes beyond the main body at all times, interfering with log pickup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding bar is extracted and replaced with compact hydraulic actuators positioned between the jaws. This removes the interfering protrusion while maintaining the jaw actuation function through direct hydraulic movement
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuators are nested within the space between the two movable jaws, utilizing the existing structural space rather than extending beyond the main body. This nesting eliminates protrusion while maintaining actuation capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If only one jaw moves in conventional log splitters, then the splitting action is achieved, but the log slides significantly on the ground and accumulates dirt, which is undesirable for retail sale
Solution Approach 1:
The single movable jaw is divided into two movable jaws that can move simultaneously toward each other. This provides two gripping surfaces that constrain the log more effectively, preventing sliding and dirt accumulation while maintaining a manageable actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation of both jaws is merged into a single hydraulic system where both jaws move simultaneously in response to the same hydraulic pressure, simplifying control while achieving improved log stability during the splitting operation
4Strength
If the log splitter has an off-centered weight distribution, then the jaw movement mechanism is simplified, but stresses from torque applied by the off-centered center of gravity increase mechanical strain
Solution Approach 1:
The symmetrical dual-jaw configuration naturally balances the center of gravity between the two jaws, eliminating off-centered weight distribution and reducing torque stresses on the actuation mechanism while maintaining structural integrity
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 design allows easier log handling, reduces interference with external objects, minimizes dirt accumulation, and evenly distributes stress, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing mechanical strain.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic actuator operatively connected to the first jaw for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a second hydraulic actuator operatively connected to the second jaw for moving the second jaw between the open and closed positions
Data Source
AI summary
The compact log splitter comprises a main body, a tool coupling member carried by the main body, for operative coupling to a tool handling device, and first and second jaws carried by the main body, the jaws each being movable relative to the main body along a jaw movement direction, the jaws further being movable towards and away from each other between a closed position in which they are near or adjacent to each other and an opened position in which they are spaced-apart compared to the closed position, at least one of the jaws comprising a cutting tool for splitting logs that is in facing register with the other one of the jaws. A jaw actuation mechanism is carried by the main body and operatively connected to the first and second jaws, allowing the jaws to be moved between the opened and closed positions. The compact log splitter has substantially the same width when the jaws are in the opened position and in the closed position. When the first and second jaws are in the opened position, the jaw actuation mechanism is mostly located between parallel planes that are perpendicular to the jaw movement direction and respectively located at the positions of the first and second jaws.