Portable Log Skidder Winch Pulley System for ATV Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log removal systems, particularly for private landowners, face challenges in safely and efficiently hauling large logs from wooded areas with rugged terrain, as they often result in ATV instability and damage due to logs catching on ground features, necessitating a more stable and efficient skidding solution.
Innovation Solution
A portable log skidder designed for towing by a one-man all-terrain vehicle, featuring a base frame with a winch, fixed and movable pulleys, and a log bunk system that allows for adjustable cable angles to enhance stability and facilitate log loading, including a log chute and stabilizer for safe hauling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cable is used to pull a log directly with an ATV, then the log can be moved, but the log front end can dig into the ground or catch on obstacles, causing ATV overturning or frame damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a skidder as an intermediary device between the ATV and the log. The skidder includes a frame with skids that contact the ground, a winch system for cable attachment, and a log holder. This intermediary structure distributes the pulling forces through the skidder frame rather than directly on the ATV, preventing the log from catching on obstacles and overturning the ATV while maintaining log removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct horizontal cable pulling to a system where the log is partially elevated onto the skidder frame. By raising the log front end onto the skidder structure (adding vertical dimension), the log is prevented from digging into the ground or catching on ground-level obstacles, thereby improving ATV stability during log removal operations
2Reliability
If a fixed, rigid hoist is used to lift the log, then the log can be raised, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed, rigid hoist structures with dynamic, adjustable support legs that can be positioned at various angles and heights. The support legs can be extended and adjusted to match different log sizes and positions, providing the necessary lifting capability while maintaining system simplicity and reducing overall complexity compared to fixed mechanical hoists
3Ease of operation
If the cable tension is applied at a high angle to lift the log front end, then the log can be raised onto the skidder, but the ATV may become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vertical dimension by having the log front end rest on the elevated skidder frame rather than remaining on the ground. This dimensional change allows the log to be positioned for easier attachment and cable tension application without requiring high-angle lifting that would destabilize the ATV, as the log is already elevated to a stable working position
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 portable log skidder increases stability and force capacity during log hauling, reduces the risk of ATV instability, and enables efficient loading of logs onto the skidder, even in challenging terrain, by distributing cable tension effectively and using a log chute to guide the log onto the bunk.
Implementation Method 1
a winch with a drum capable of winding on a length of cable
Implementation Method 2
A fixed pulley is mounted near the rear end of the base frame, aligned with the drum of the winch
Implementation Method 3
One or more movable pulleys may be attached to these accessory attachment fittings. By placing the movable pulley at different accessory attachment fittings, the angle at which a hauling cable attaches with a log will vary
Implementation Method 4
The log bunk is not straight, but instead is curved or bent generally upward from its center
Data Source
AI summary
A portable log skidder is disclosed, having a base frame with an axle and a pair of wheels at the rear end and a trailer coupler at its front end. A winch with a motive or power source and a cable-winding drum is mounted on the base frame near its front end. A fixed pulley is mounted on the base frame near its rear end. Three support columns for a tripod-like support frame are provided above the base frame. A plurality of accessory attachment fittings are disposed around the support columns. A movable pulley is connected to one of the accessory attachment points. A log bunk is located at the rear of the base frame, to which a log chute is attached. A stabilizer is provided that articulates with the log chute. A cable wound on the drum of the winch has a free end engaging the fixed pulley, the moveable pulley and, finally, a log to be hauled aboard the portable log skidder.