Log Splitter Hydraulic Cylinder Reset Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large log splitters require higher resetting power, which existing single-acting hydraulic cylinders cannot provide efficiently, leading to increased manufacturing and operating costs due to the need for double-acting cylinders and complex control valves.
Innovation Solution
A log splitter hydraulic cylinder reset spring device comprising a spring guide, reset spring, bearing, curved transmission lever, and guide seal, which allows for the use of a single-acting cylinder with a 3-way 2-position valve, reducing manufacturing and operating costs by using a spring for reset operations instead of electric power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-acting hydraulic cylinder is used in large log splitters, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but resetting power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting function is segmented from the hydraulic driving function. The single-acting cylinder handles the forward pushing operation while a separate spring mechanism handles the resetting operation, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
A curved transmission lever with a protrusion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spring and the piston rod. The lever converts the spring's linear force into the appropriate motion to reset the piston, enabling the spring to effectively deliver resetting power through this intermediate mechanical element
2Power
If a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is used for high resetting power, then resetting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting function is extracted from the hydraulic cylinder system and implemented by a separate spring mechanism. This allows the cylinder to remain simple (single-acting) while still achieving the required resetting capability through the independently installed spring assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism serves multiple purposes: it provides resetting power, acts as a mechanical energy storage device, and eliminates the need for complex 4-way 3-position control valves, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high resetting capability
3Ease of operation
If a 4-way 3-position control valve is used with double-acting cylinder, then control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is simplified by replacing the complex 4-way 3-position valve with a simpler 3-way 2-position valve that controls the single-acting cylinder. The spring mechanism naturally provides the bidirectional control function that would otherwise require the more complex valve, achieving equivalent control capability at lower cost
4Reliability
If electric power is used for cylinder reset, then resetting reliability is improved, but operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-compressed to store mechanical energy during the forward stroke, and this stored energy automatically performs the resetting function when needed. The system serves itself by converting the work done during the forward operation into the energy required for resetting, eliminating the need for external electric power during reset operations
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 enables efficient resetting of large log splitters with single-acting cylinders, reducing manufacturing costs through simplified designs and lower operating expenses by utilizing a spring-based system, making the device cost-effective and versatile for various sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The reset spring housed within the spring guide
Implementation Method 2
the reset spring abutting the bearing
Implementation Method 3
the curved transmission lever positioned outside the spring guide and engaged with the bearing
Implementation Method 4
The bearing housed within a portion at the first end of the spring guide and the spring abutting the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A reset spring device for a one-log splitter single-action hydraulic cylinder comprises a spring guide, reset spring, bearing, curved transmission lever, and guide seal. The spring guide has a first end and second end, the reset spring housed within the spring guide, the bearing housed within a portion at the first end, the spring abutting the bearing, the guide seal disposed at the first end of the guide, the transmission lever positioned outside the spring guide and engaged with the bearing. The transmission lever having a curved protrusion operably engaged through a longitudinal opening on the spring guide and through a groove on the bearing. A push plate is connected to the lever. During operation, when a cylinder is pushing forward, the lever compresses the spring through the bearing; and when a handle is released, the log splitter ceases operating, the cylinder is reset by each reset spring device.