Log Sorting Mechanism Lever Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing log sorting mechanisms either weaken or damage the bunks due to welding or are expensive and difficult to fit on bunks with different dimensions, reducing efficiency and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A log sorting mechanism with a part structure that provides a space for the bunk and an attachment structure for the lever, allowing for detachable and adjustable attachment without torsion moments, ensuring the lever is supported and protected, and can be clamped securely between structural elements, accommodating bunks of various dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a log sorting mechanism is fixedly attached to the bunk by welding, then the attachment is strong and durable, but the bunk is weakened or damaged due to machining and local heat treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddamage to bunk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a separate attachment structure (mounting brackets, bolts, or clamps) as an intermediary between the log sorting mechanism and the bunk. This intermediary carries the attachment loads without requiring direct welding to the bunk, thereby protecting the bunk from heat treatment damage and machining weaknesses while maintaining strong and durable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a log sorting mechanism is detachably attached using mounting or clamping devices, then the bunk is not damaged, but the attachment is too weak and difficult to fit on bunks with different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage to bunkVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable mounting structures that can adapt to different bunk dimensions. The mounting brackets or clamps are designed with adjustable positioning features allowing them to be securely attached to bunks of various sizes while maintaining adequate attachment reliability without damaging the bunk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a log sorting mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to bunks of different dimensions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different bunk dimensionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the log sorting mechanism with universal mounting features that can accommodate different bunk dimensions. The mounting brackets or clamps are configured to work with various bunk sizes through standardized attachment points and adjustable positioning, providing multi-functionality without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3053431B1Log sorting mechanism
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 JOHN DEERE FORESTRY OY
  • EP3053431B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3053431B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3053431B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to log sorting mechanism (56). The log sorting mechanism (56) comprises: a) a one or several part structure (58; 88) provided with a space (84) capable of receiving a part of a bunk (44), b) a lever (60) being pivotably attached between its ends to the part structure (58; 88) with at least one end of the lever (60) being located in an overlapping arrangement with said space (84), and c) clamping means (66, 68) connecting the part structure (58; 86) to the bunk (44).