Log Feeding Device Damping Link System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Feeding devices for barking machines experience high dynamical loads and vibrations when logs enter and leave, causing strain on shock absorbers and support structures due to shocks and vibrations, leading to wear and fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A movement damping element is integrated into the link system of the feeding device, separate from the support, to brake the return movement of the supporting arms, reducing the impact of shocks and vibrations by using a mechanical or hydraulic spring mechanism that acts between the links and carrier, effectively damping the movement of the feed cylinders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the feed cylinders are distinctly pressed against the logs to prevent slipping, then the feeding reliability is improved, but the dynamical loads and shocks on the support structure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding reliabilityVSAvoidsupport structure strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A shock absorber is arranged between the support and a link in the link system to dampen shocks and vibrations before they are transferred to the support structure. This cushioning element absorbs the impact forces generated when logs enter and leave the feeding device, protecting the support from excessive dynamic loads while maintaining the necessary pressing force for reliable feeding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the feed cylinders are arranged with friction increasing elements to prevent log slipping, then the feeding reliability is improved, but the wear on the feed cylinders and logs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding reliabilityVSAvoidwear on feed cylinders and logs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting arms are made pivotable about shafts, allowing the feed cylinders to dynamically adjust their position and follow irregularities in the log surface. This dynamic adaptation enables reliable feeding with varying log dimensions while reducing concentrated wear by distributing the contact pressure more evenly across the feed cylinder surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the supporting arms are made pivotable to follow log irregularities, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to log irregularitiesVSAvoidlink system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable supporting arms are mutually connected via a system of articulated links that combine multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable pivoting motion to follow log irregularities, and transmit the holding down force from the shock absorber to the feed cylinders. This merged link system achieves adaptability without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If the shock absorber is arranged between the support and link system, then the protection of support from shocks is improved, but the strain on the shock absorber holders increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport protection from shocksVSAvoidshock absorber holder reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber acts as an intermediary element between the support structure and the link system. It absorbs and dampens shocks and vibrations generated during log feeding, protecting the support from excessive dynamic loads. The shock absorber is strategically positioned to intercept forces before they reach the support holders, reducing strain on these critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 integration of the movement damping element reduces wear and fatigue by absorbing shocks and vibrations, enhancing the durability of the support and shock absorber components, and ensuring consistent log feeding without significant turning forces affecting the feeding device.

Implementation Method 1

A movement damping element is integrated into the link system of the feeding device, separate from the support, to brake the return movement of the supporting arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

effectively damping the movement of the feed cylinders through a mechanical or hydraulic spring mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11279058B2Feeding device for axial feeding of logs

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 USNR AB

AI summary

In various embodiments, a feeding device may comprise a support having feed cylinders arranged in a free end of a respective supporting arm and driven in rotation, wherein the supporting arms in a supported end are journalled in the support on shafts extending in parallel with each other and are pivotable about the shafts between a home position and a pivoted work position, and wherein the supporting arms are mutually connected to each other via a system of articulated links and by means of the links are forced to pivot jointly about their respective shafts, and a movement damping element, which is separate from the support, is integrated in the system of links and independently from the support configured to brake the return movement of the supporting arms from the pivoted position.