Cutting Splitting Machine Folding Cover Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting and splitting machines face challenges in transporting on narrow and uneven logging roads due to large width and high center of gravity, which affects stability and requires a higher platform for operation, especially in horizontal and vertical configurations, respectively.

Innovation Solution

A cutting and splitting machine with a folding cover mechanism that allows the circular saw to be partially housed during transport, reducing the machine's width and maintaining a low center of gravity, enabling simultaneous operation of cutting and splitting sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the machine is configured with a horizontal layout to reduce height, then the width increases making transportation difficult, but if configured vertically to reduce width, then the height increases affecting stability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewidthVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The circular saw is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of horizontal displacement between an initial position (protruding from housing) and a final position (retracted). This dynamic configuration allows the machine to maintain a compact width for transportation while providing sufficient cutting space during operation, resolving the contradiction between compact dimensions and operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions the circular saw from a static vertical configuration to a horizontal displacement mechanism. By moving the circular saw horizontally along a guide mechanism rather than vertically, the machine achieves a low profile suitable for transportation while maintaining operational capability, effectively solving the dimensional contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the circular saw moves horizontally to reduce machine height, then the cutting space encroaches on the splitting area preventing simultaneous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveheightVSAvoidsimultaneous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine is divided into distinct functional zones: a cutting section with the circular saw and a splitting section with the splitting knife. The circular saw moves horizontally within its designated cutting zone, while the splitting knife operates independently in the splitting zone. This spatial segmentation allows both sections to operate simultaneously without interference, resolving the contradiction between compact height and simultaneous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the circular saw protrudes from the housing to provide cutting space, then the machine width increases for transportation difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting spaceVSAvoidwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The circular saw is designed as a movable component that protrudes from the housing only during cutting operations and retracts into the housing during transportation. This dynamic configuration provides sufficient cutting space when needed while maintaining a compact width for transportation, resolving the contradiction between cutting space and transportation dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a fixed guard is used to protect the circular saw, then the machine structure becomes rigid and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a fixed guard, the invention employs a movable folding cover that travels with the circular saw during cutting operations. This dynamic protective cover provides continuous safety protection while adapting to the circular saw's position, reducing structural complexity compared to a fixed guard system that would require additional mechanisms to accommodate the moving saw.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4056340B1Cutting and splitting machine
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 UNIFOREST D O O
  • EP4056340B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4056340B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4056340B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a cutting splitting machine for cutting sawlog and splitting them into chopped wood, comprising a housing (2) with an attachment piece (3) having a rectangular through hole (4), a splitting section (5) with a splitting knife (6), a cutting section (7) with a circular saw blade (8), and a circular saw guide mechanism which guides the saw horizontally from an initial position (A) to a final position (B) of the circular saw and backwards, wherein the circular saw in its initial position protrudes at least partially from the housing through the through hole (4) in the attachment piece, a folding cover (9) that fits the rectangular through hole (4) and can receive a part of the circular saw, wherein the folding cover (9) is connected to the machine housing by two hinges (10) which are linearly guided in guides (11) arranged on the machine housing so that the folding cover can be linearly moved from the transport position (C) of the folding cover, in which the folding cover is positioned adjacent to the machine housing, in the direction of travel of the circular saw, to a position in which it is distant from the machine housing and can then be pivoted about its hinges to the operating position (D) of the folding cover, in which it can receive the circular saw in its initial position (A). An advantage of the machine according to the invention is that, despite the horizontal layout of the cutting and splitting sections, the machine has a small width which allows transportation on narrow paths. The machine allows a simultaneous operation of the cutting and splitting sections. A further advantage is the machine's low centre of gravity, which ensures greater stability during transport.