Grapple Brake Mechanism for Controlled Timber Rotation Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grapple systems used in forestry for loading timber are expensive due to their complex structure and require skilled operators to stop the rotation of timber, which can lead to accidents if not managed properly, and they often rely on costly swivel joints for hydraulic cylinder rotation.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit brake system is integrated into the grapple attachment, allowing for external force-driven rotation stopping and eliminating the need for expensive swivel joints by using a brake mechanism that can be easily mounted on existing grapple systems, enabling less skilled operators to safely stop the rotation of timber without a hydraulic motor drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic motor is used to drive rotation of the grapple, then the rotation function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotation driving function from the hydraulic motor and implements it through a simpler mechanism. The grapple body is designed to rotate passively around a vertical axis without requiring a dedicated hydraulic motor, thereby removing the complex rotation drive system while maintaining the essential rotation function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of actively driving rotation with a hydraulic motor, the invention allows passive rotation through the natural movement of the grapple body. The rotation is achieved by the interaction between the grapple body and the support legs, inverting the conventional approach of active motor-driven rotation.
2Reliability
If braking is applied to stop timber rotation, then rotation stops, but the moment of inertia causes delayed stopping and requires skilled operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary counteracting forces through the support legs and braking mechanism before the timber's moment of inertia causes uncontrolled rotation. The braking system is designed to counteract the rotational momentum proactively, preventing the need for skilled timing in applying brakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs act as intermediaries between the grapple body and the ground, providing stable support and facilitating controlled rotation stopping. The braking mechanism works through these intermediaries to dissipate the moment of inertia effect gradually, reducing the skill requirement for operation.
3Ease of operation
If swivel joints are used for hydraulic cylinder rotation, then the hydraulic system functions, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the swivel joint component from the hydraulic system and replaces it with a simpler rotational mechanism. The hydraulic cylinders are positioned and oriented to accommodate rotation without requiring swivel joints, thereby eliminating this expensive component while maintaining hydraulic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using swivel joints to allow hydraulic cylinders to rotate, the invention inverts the approach by fixing the hydraulic cylinders in specific orientations and allowing the grapple body to rotate around them. This eliminates the need for swivel joints while achieving the same rotational capability.
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 cost-effective and safer method to stop timber rotation, reducing the risk of accidents and operational complexity, while eliminating the need for expensive swivel joints, thus making the grapple system more accessible and affordable.
Implementation Method 1
a brake mechanism that can be easily mounted on existing grapple systems
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a safe device with which, by forcibly braking the rotation of a grapple by means of an external force, it is possible even for an unskilled operator to bring the rotation to a halt and further to prevent accidents due to such rotation. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide such a device at lower cost. According to the present invention, a grapple has a lower frame that has claws for gripping timber and an upper frame that rotatably holds the lower frame, and is provided with a rotation braking means that applies a brake on the rotation of the lower frame.