Battery-Powered Log Splitter With Hydraulic Load Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log splitters lack a standalone motor unit that efficiently powers the hydraulic drive system, leading to inefficiencies and reduced runtime due to unoptimized power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A log splitter with a standalone motor unit incorporating a battery pack and electric motor, controlled by a controller that adjusts power levels based on sensor feedback from position, load, or hydraulic fluid characteristics to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a traditional engine-powered hydraulic system is used, then sufficient power is available for log splitting, but energy consumption is high and runtime is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor power output based on real-time hydraulic fluid pressure feedback. The controller modulates the electric motor's power delivery to match actual operational demands, preventing energy waste during low-demand phases while ensuring sufficient power during high-demand splitting operations. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing the balance between runtime and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor continuously monitors hydraulic fluid pressure and feeds this information back to the controller, which adjusts motor power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the motor operates at optimal power levels based on actual load conditions, extending battery runtime while maintaining sufficient power for effective log splitting when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a standalone motor unit with battery pack is used, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standalone motor unit integrates multiple functions into a single compact assembly: the battery pack provides power storage, the electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, the controller manages power delivery and monitors system state, and the pressure sensor provides feedback. This multi-functional integration achieves power efficiency while containing complexity within a unified modular unit that replaces traditional engine-hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional internal combustion engine and mechanical transmission system with an electric motor directly coupled to the hydraulic pump. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reduces energy loss through mechanical friction and transmission, and simplifies the overall system architecture while improving power efficiency through direct electrical-to-hydraulic energy conversion.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic power adjustment is implemented, then power efficiency is enhanced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs a pressure sensor that continuously monitors hydraulic fluid pressure and provides real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the electric motor's power output to match actual operational demands. This feedback mechanism achieves superior power efficiency by preventing energy waste during low-demand phases while ensuring sufficient power during high-demand splitting operations, with the added benefit of being a relatively simple implementation that does not significantly increase overall system complexity.
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
Enhances power efficiency, extends battery runtime, and improves operational reliability by dynamically adjusting power levels based on operational demands.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack removably coupled to the housing. The battery pack is configured to supply electrical current to the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor located within the housing and a battery pack removably coupled to the housing
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic drive unit to actuate the ram
Data Source
AI summary
A powered log splitter includes a support structure configured to support a log, a ram that is operable to engage and split the log, a hydraulic drive unit to actuate the ram, and a stand-alone motor unit to power the hydraulic drive unit. The stand-alone motor unit includes a housing, an electric motor located within the housing, and a battery pack removably coupled to the housing. The battery pack is configured to supply electrical current to the electric motor.