Hydraulic Cutting Attachment for Tractor Branch Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cutting high tree branches and brush is time-consuming and physically demanding, as existing methods like using a chainsaw on a long pole require controlling the tool one limb at a time and are difficult to manage, especially on inclines.

Innovation Solution

A cutting attachment that couples to a tractor or excavator via a mounting bracket and hydraulic lines, featuring a cutting deck with a motor-driven blade carrier, allowing for simultaneous cutting of multiple limbs with reduced physical effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a chainsaw coupled to a long pole is used to cut high branches, then the cutting height is extended, but the control difficulty increases and the operation becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepole lengthVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tractor or excavator as an intermediary machine to perform the cutting operation. Instead of using a long pole with a chainsaw, the invention couples a cutting deck with a tractor or excavator, allowing the operator to control the cutting operation through the vehicle's hydraulic system and controls, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining extended cutting reach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system (chainsaw on long pole requiring physical manipulation) with a hydraulic-driven system integrated with a tractor or excavator. The motor-driven blade carrier rotates the blades through hydraulic power transmission, eliminating the need for manual chainsaw handling and improving control ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of stationary object

If a chainsaw on a long pole is used to cut multiple limbs, then the cutting height is extended, but the time required increases due to one-limb-at-a-time cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepole lengthVSAvoidcutting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cutting functions into a single operational system. The cutting deck can simultaneously cut multiple limbs through the rotation of the blade carrier, which can be configured to cut several branches at once. This combines multiple cutting operations into one action, dramatically improving productivity compared to cutting one limb at a time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor-driven blade carrier provides continuous rotational cutting action, allowing the system to continuously cut multiple limbs as they are fed into the cutting deck. This continuous operation eliminates the start-stop nature of manual chainsaw operation and maintains productive work flow throughout the cutting process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Length of stationary object

If a chainsaw on a long pole is used for cutting, then the cutting height is extended, but the physical effort required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepole lengthVSAvoidphysical effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tractor or excavator performs the cutting operation autonomously through its hydraulic system. The motor-driven blade carrier automatically rotates and cuts the limbs without requiring physical effort from the operator. The system uses the vehicle's own power and control mechanisms to perform the cutting function, eliminating manual physical effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting (chainsaw requiring physical squeezing and manipulation) with an automated motor-driven hydraulic system. The motor provides the cutting force through hydraulic power transmission, eliminating the need for physical effort from the operator while maintaining extended cutting height capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient cutting of tree branches and brush above head level and on inclines with minimal physical effort, as the attachment can handle multiple limbs at once, improving speed and control.

Implementation Method 1

a blade carrier coupled to the outer surface and rotatable by the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a mounting bracket configured to couple to at least one hydraulic arm of a tractor or excavator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11564356B2Tree branch and brush cutting attachment

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 GRICE JOHNNY E

AI summary

A cutting attachment includes a mounting bracket and a cutting deck. The mounting bracket is configured to couple to at least one hydraulic arm of a tractor or excavator. The cutting deck is coupled to the mounting bracket. The cutting deck includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a motor coupled to the inner surface, a blade carrier coupled to the outer surface and rotatable by the motor, and at least one blade coupled to the blade carrier.