Grapple Positioning System for Skidder Slope Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of forestry skidders face fatigue and inefficiency due to the need for manual adjustment of the grapple height during tree transportation, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, increased time, and potential damage to logs and the ecosystem.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a level sensor and controller that automatically adjusts the grapple height based on the vehicle's slope, using a processor and memory to actuate the grapple assembly, reducing operator intervention and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of grapple height is used during tree transportation, then operator control over grapple position is maintained, but operator fatigue increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the grapple assembly to automatically adjust its own height based on vehicle slope detection, eliminating the need for continuous manual operator intervention. The level sensor detects vehicle inclination and the control system automatically actuates the grapple height, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring constant operator input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automated electro-hydraulic system. Instead of the operator continuously manipulating mechanical controls, a level sensor detects vehicle slope and sends signals to an electronic control unit, which then actuates the hydraulic system to adjust grapple height automatically.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of grapple height is performed throughout travel distance, then grapple position can be adjusted, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous automatic adjustment of grapple height throughout the entire travel distance, rather than requiring discrete manual adjustments. The level sensor continuously monitors vehicle slope and the control system continuously adjusts grapple position, ensuring optimal positioning without interrupting the transportation process for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The grapple assembly automatically adjusts its own position based on real-time vehicle slope detection, eliminating the need for operator intervention during travel. This self-adjusting capability maintains productivity by keeping the system in optimal configuration without time-consuming manual adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple position adjustments are made using joysticks and buttons, then grapple can be positioned correctly, but operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual joystick and button operations with an automated sensor-based control system. The level sensor electronically detects vehicle slope and the control unit automatically actuates the hydraulic system, substituting manual mechanical control with automated electro-hydraulic control that maintains positioning accuracy without operator fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the level sensor continuously monitors vehicle slope and provides real-time information to the control unit, which then adjusts grapple height accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate grapple positioning automatically, eliminating the need for operator judgment and repeated adjustments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If grapple height is manually adjusted, then operator can respond to terrain changes, but adjustment accuracy decreases causing ecosystem damage and log damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment with precise electronic sensor measurement. The level sensor provides accurate digital measurement of vehicle slope, and the control system translates this data into precise grapple height adjustments, eliminating the imprecision of manual estimation and control while maintaining adaptability to terrain changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism ensures that grapple height adjustments are precisely matched to actual vehicle slope conditions. The level sensor continuously provides accurate feedback on terrain inclination, and the control system automatically adjusts grapple position with precision, preventing both excessive height (causing log damage) and insufficient height (causing ecosystem damage).
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 system reduces operator fatigue, enhances fuel efficiency, and decreases the time required for transporting logs, while maintaining stability and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a level sensor to provide a level output, wherein the level sensor is operatively connected to the vehicle frame to determine the slope of the vehicle with respect to the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of positioning a grapple of a skidder based on ground conditions and felled timber characteristics, or other material characteristics, such as conduit characteristics for pipe, being moved by the skidder. The vehicle includes a level sensor to determine slope of the vehicle based on ground slope and a traction device to determine a slip condition of the vehicle. Level sensors can include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or a pitch/roll/yaw sensor. The grapple assembly is automatically positioned based on the vehicle slope, the slip condition, and the weight and/or the length of the felled timber being collected by the grapple.