Compact Log Splitter Nested Drive Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional log splitters are large and bulky, making them difficult to transport, store, and ship due to their size, and require significant hydraulic force, which increases the strength requirements of components, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies, especially when handling large or heavy logs.

Innovation Solution

A compact log splitter design featuring a support structure with an open center portion and a drive mechanism nested within an elongate beam, allowing the splitting wedge to move through a splitting zone without the need for a continuous longitudinal support structure, reducing the overall size and enabling easier handling and shipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous longitudinal support structure is used to accommodate both the hydraulic cylinder and splitting wedge travel, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the overall size and volume of the log splitter are greatly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidoverall size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous longitudinal support structure is divided into separate segments: a first support structure for the hydraulic cylinder and a second support structure for the splitting wedge. These segmented structures eliminate the need for a single continuous beam, reducing the overall volume while maintaining structural strength through distributed support elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement where the cylinder and wedge travel in the same horizontal plane to a three-dimensional configuration where the splitting wedge is positioned above the hydraulic cylinder. This vertical stacking allows the support structures to be shorter in length while providing sufficient structural strength, thereby reducing the overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If the splitting wedge and hydraulic cylinder are positioned in series in the same horizontal plane, then the transmission of hydraulic force is efficient, but the required longitudinal length of the support structure is greatly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic force transmissionVSAvoidlongitudinal length

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the splitting wedge in a vertical plane above the hydraulic cylinder, changing the arrangement from a horizontal series configuration to a vertical stacked configuration. This allows the hydraulic force to be transmitted efficiently through the beam while significantly reducing the required longitudinal length, as the wedge and cylinder no longer need to be positioned end-to-end in the same plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a predetermined splitting zone of certain length is required, then the ability to split logs is maintained, but the overall length of the splitter is increased, making it difficult to transport and store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelog splitting capabilityVSAvoidtransportability and storability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable splitting wedge that can be positioned and repositioned within the support structure, rather than having a fixed long splitting zone. The wedge is driven by the hydraulic cylinder to move through the log, providing the necessary splitting capability in a compact space. This dynamic positioning allows the splitter to maintain log splitting capability while being compact enough for easy transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 compact design minimizes the size of the log splitter, allowing for easier transportation, storage, and shipping while maintaining the ability to split logs of various sizes efficiently, reducing the risk of safety hazards and operational inefficiencies.

Implementation Method 1

splitting of wood occurs by causing the splitting wedge to be forced through the wood, using the force of the hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the splitting wedge is forced through the wood, using the force of the hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7814945B2Compact log splitter

Publication Date: 2010.10.19 NORTHERN TOOL & EQUIPMENT CO INC

AI summary

A log splitter comprises a support structure having a first end, a second end, and an open center portion defined therebetweeen, a splitting device slidably coupled to the support structure, and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the splitting device through a splitting zone. The splitting device comprises an elongate beam having an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and an open center portion between the first end and the second end, and a splitting wedge coupled to the outer surface of the elongate beam and having at least one splitting surface formed thereon. The elongate beam is disposed within the open center portion of the support structure. The drive mechanism is disposed within the open center portion of the elongate beam, and is coupled on a first end to the first end of the support structure and on a second end to the second end of the elongate beam.