Log Wrapper Chain Securement Using a Remote Grapple Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing logs on logging trucks, such as traditional cable log wrappers and loader-assisted wrapper securement, pose risks of repetitive stress injuries to drivers and potential damage to the log wrappers due to manual handling and interaction with moving grapple parts.
Innovation Solution
A log wrapper securement device that uses a linear actuator to remotely engage and hold chain links of log wrappers, allowing for securement without the driver needing to manually throw the log wrapper over the grapple, thereby reducing physical strain and minimizing contact with moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually throws the log wrapper over the top of the logs, then the log wrapper can be secured around the logs, but the driver is exposed to repetitive stress injuries and potential injury from the cable falling back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a loader-assisted mechanism where the forestry grapple serves as an intermediary tool. The driver throws only a portion of the log wrapper over the stationary grapple, and the loader operator lifts the grapple with the attached log wrapper over the logs. This mediates the dangerous manual throwing action by distributing the work between the driver (positioning) and the loader (lifting), reducing the driver's exposure to harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The forestry grapple is positioned in advance near the ground in a stationary location before the driver throws the log wrapper. This preliminary positioning allows the driver to throw the log wrapper onto a stable, predetermined target rather than attempting to throw it directly over moving logs or into unpredictable space, reducing the risk of injury from missed throws or falling cable.
2Productivity
If the log wrapper is placed over the moving grapple arms, then the log wrapper can be secured to the loader, but the log wrapper may get pinched or nicked by the moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The driver throws the log wrapper over the stationary grapple before the grapple begins its lifting motion. This preliminary placement ensures the log wrapper is already positioned on the grapple when lifting starts, eliminating the risk of the wrapper getting pinched or nicked during the placement process while maintaining the efficiency of loader-assisted securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary grapple acts as an intermediary platform that receives the log wrapper in a safe, controlled manner before transferring it to the moving lifting mechanism. This separates the placement function (stationary, safe) from the lifting function (moving, productive), allowing both reliability and productivity to be optimized independently.
3Productivity
If the driver throws multiple log wrappers per day, then the logging operation can proceed efficiently, but repetitive stress injury to the shoulder, arm, elbow joint, back, and hip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loader and forestry grapple serve as mechanical intermediaries that perform the heavy lifting and positioning work. The driver's role is reduced to throwing only a portion of each log wrapper onto the stationary grapple, which significantly reduces the physical strain compared to throwing the entire wrapper over high logs. This mediation maintains productivity while reducing repetitive stress injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The log wrapper throwing task is segmented into two parts: the driver throws the first portion onto the grapple, and the loader operator completes the securement by lifting the grapple with the attached wrapper. This segmentation divides the physically demanding work between human and machine, reducing the driver's repetitive stress exposure while maintaining overall productivity.
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 eliminates repetitive stress injuries and reduces the risk of log wrapper damage by allowing securement without manual throwing and positioning the log wrapper out of harm's way from moving grapple parts, enhancing efficiency by enabling the securement of multiple log wrappers at once.
Implementation Method 1
uses a linear actuator to remotely engage and hold chain links of log wrappers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing logs from harvested timber to a transport vehicle, or logging truck, using log wrappers. The log wrapper securement device can be located in the inspection cavity of a forestry grapple. The forestry grapple is attached to a log loader. The log wrapper securement device includes a base plate sized and shaped to replace the inspection plate covering the inspection cavity. The base plate includes a slot sized and shaped to receive a portion of a chain end link or other chain links of the log wrapper, which can be inserted manually. The loader operator can remotely control the actuator to secure the chain link and release it, once the log wrapper is positioned over the other side of the logging truck. The log wrapper securement device can potentially reduce injuries and save lives.