Log Splitter Hydraulic Control via Mechanical Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log splitting machines are complex, costly, and require significant maintenance due to numerous sensors and automatisms associated with electrical power supplies for managing conveyor belt progress and splitting wedge movements.
Innovation Solution
A log splitting machine with a step-by-step advancement conveyor belt system controlled by a hydraulic jack actuated by a double-acting hydraulic splitting cylinder, using a hydraulic belt cylinder and motor to simplify operations and reduce costs, featuring a striking head and adjustable screw for conveyor belt pitch adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensors and automatisms with electrical power supply are used to manage conveyor belt progress and splitting wedge movements, then the control precision and automation level are improved, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors and automatisms with a purely mechanical control system. The progression of the conveyor belt is controlled by the physical position of the splitting wedge through mechanical linkages, levers, and cam mechanisms. The splitting wedge's movement along its guide rails directly actuates the conveyor belt advancement through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for electrical sensors to detect position and control belt progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitting wedge serves multiple functions: it performs the splitting operation on logs and simultaneously acts as the control element for conveyor belt advancement. The same hydraulic cylinder that drives the splitting wedge also, through mechanical linkages, controls the progression of the conveyor belt. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control components needed.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and automatisms with electrical power supply are used to manage conveyor belt progress and splitting wedge movements, then the control precision and automation level are improved, but the maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors and automatisms with a purely mechanical control system. The progression of the conveyor belt is controlled by the physical position of the splitting wedge through mechanical linkages, levers, and cam mechanisms. The splitting wedge's movement along its guide rails directly actuates the conveyor belt advancement through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for electrical sensors to detect position and control belt progression.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system is self-regulating through the physical constraints and geometries of its components. The conveyor belt progression is automatically synchronized with the splitting wedge position through mechanical coupling, without requiring external sensing or control systems. The system uses its own operational movements to control itself, reducing maintenance needs.
3Device complexity
If a hydraulic jack controlled by a double-acting hydraulic splitting cylinder is used to advance the conveyor belt step-by-step, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of conveyor belt advancement control may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt advances in discrete steps synchronized with each splitting cycle. The hydraulic jack advances the belt one step during the retraction phase of the splitting cylinder, creating a periodic advancement pattern that matches the splitting rhythm. This ensures precise positioning at each step while maintaining simple hydraulic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkages in the system provide passive feedback between the splitting wedge position and the conveyor belt advancement. The physical coupling ensures that the belt only advances when the splitting wedge is in the correct position, creating an inherent feedback mechanism that maintains synchronization without requiring additional sensors or complex control systems.
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 solution simplifies the machine design, reducing production and maintenance costs while maintaining efficient log splitting operations, with the hydraulic system ensuring mechanical and hydraulic advancement of the conveyor belt in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
Implementation Method 1
a splitting wedge, positioned above said upper run of said endless conveyor belt and actuated by a hydraulic splitting cylinder of the double-acting type comprising a body associated with a piston provided with a rod
Implementation Method 2
the said means which ensure the advancement of the upper strand of the said conveyor belt consist of step-by-step advancement means which are controlled by a hydraulic jack, called jack hydraulic belt, actuated by said hydraulic splitting cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a log or block splitting machine (7) comprising: - an endless conveyor belt (3), associated with means (10) ensuring its advancement, - a splitting chamber (14), and - a splitting wedge (18) actuated by a hydraulic splitting cylinder (20) to ensure its translational movement according to successive movements: - a) extraction of the rod of said splitting cylinder (20) to ensure the penetration of said splitting wedge (18) into said splitting chamber (14), in order to carry out the operation of splitting the logs or blocks of wood (7), and - b) retraction of the rod of said splitting cylinder (20), to remove said splitting wedge (18) from said splitting chamber (14).According to the invention, the means (10) ensuring the advancement of the conveyor belt (3) consist of step-by-step advancement means which are controlled by a hydraulic cylinder (25) actuated by the hydraulic splitting cylinder (20), during the retraction movements of its piston rod.