Log Yoke with Hinged Throat for Stable Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece support systems for cutting irregularly shaped logs, such as tree trunks, lack stability and safety, often leading to accidental falls and inefficient cutting processes, with no effective means to contain or collect cut logs in a controlled manner.
Innovation Solution
A system of yokes with hinged throat portions mounted on a sacrificial beam, allowing secure support and retention of logs during cutting, with the ability to tip over for controlled discharge and bagging or collection, while preventing saw blade damage and ensuring user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional trestle or saw horse support systems are used for cutting logs, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the workpiece stability is poor and logs may jump or fall during cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent yokes that can be separately positioned along the beam. Each yoke acts as an individual workpiece holder, allowing stable support of irregular logs while maintaining overall system simplicity. The segmented approach enables flexible configuration without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The yokes are designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing them to be positioned at different locations along the beam and adjusted to accommodate various log sizes and shapes. This dynamic adaptability provides stable support for irregular workpieces while keeping the overall system relatively simple through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If logs are supported on conventional trestles, then the setup is simple, but cut logs fall randomly on the ground creating trip hazards and requiring laborious collection
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and collection function are merged into a single integrated system. The yokes not only support logs during cutting but also contain and organize the cut pieces. After cutting, the entire yoke with contained logs can be easily moved or tipped to discharge logs into a collection area, eliminating random scattering and trip hazards while simplifying the collection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke acts as an intermediary container between the cutting operation and final log storage. It receives cut logs, contains them during the cutting process, and facilitates controlled discharge to a collection point. This intermediary structure prevents logs from falling randomly on the ground while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Strength
If metal frame structures are used for support, then the structural strength is high, but the exposed metal may contact the saw blade causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The yokes incorporate sacrificial wooden elements or liners that are positioned between the metal frame and the saw blade. These disposable or replaceable components absorb potential blade contact, protecting the expensive saw blade while being much cheaper and easier to replace. The metal frame maintains its structural strength while the sacrificial elements prevent direct metal-to-blade contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective liner or sacrificial wooden element is introduced as an intermediary between the metal frame structure and the saw blade. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the metal and blade, eliminating the risk of blade damage from metal contact while preserving the structural strength of the metal frame. The intermediary can be easily replaced when worn.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support structures are used, then the support is stable, but the adaptability to different log sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple independent yokes that can be individually positioned and adjusted along the beam. Each yoke can be independently adapted to different log sizes and shapes while maintaining stable support. This segmentation allows high versatility without compromising the stability of each individual support point.
Solution Approach 2:
The yokes are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be moved to different locations and adjusted to accommodate various log dimensions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same support structure to stably hold different log sizes and shapes, providing both versatility and stability through adjustable configuration.
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 system provides stable and secure support for cutting irregular logs, preventing accidents and efficiently collecting cut logs in a coherent manner, enhancing safety and reducing labor in handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge is extended laterally to present an offset pivot, which allows the upper throat to swing over to an inverted condition and to discharge contents clear of the beam
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A workpiece support features a plurality of yokes (11) with respective jaws, cups or throats (13,17), set upon a common support beam (18); with provision for yoke tilt to one side of the beam for contents discharge; for log cutting, stacked logs could be segmented by successive cuts between yokes, with severed logs in each yoke being retained in a cluster, such as for side tipping into a bag or sack (78).