Opposing Circular Saw Delimbing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing branches from living trees are complex, costly, and prone to damage, with risks of bark injury and fungal infestation due to inefficient cutting mechanisms and bulky designs that limit speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring two opposing circular saws with non-set teeth, powered by electric motors, moving in a circular motion around the tree, with adjustable spacer wheels to ensure diametrical cutting at a consistent distance, and a turntable with pneumatic cylinders for precise positioning and minimal bark pressure, allowing for efficient delimbing regardless of tree diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a climbing saw with a frame and drive wheels is used to remove branches automatically, then the delimbing process becomes more efficient and less labor-intensive, but the device becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a lightweight frame structure, separate drive mechanism with drive wheels, and an oscillating saw unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while simplifying the overall device complexity and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating saw unit serves multiple functions: it cuts branches at various angles, adapts to different tree diameters through oscillation, and eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality maintains high productivity while reducing device complexity.
2Strength
If a chain saw with a long vertical saw bar is used for delimbing, then the cutting power is sufficient for thick branches, but the saw bar can damage the bark by touching and cutting into it
Solution Approach 1:
The saw unit oscillates back and forth in a horizontal direction during operation. This dynamic oscillating movement prevents the saw bar from maintaining continuous contact with the tree trunk, eliminating bark damage while preserving sufficient cutting power for thick branches throughout the oscillation cycle.
3Manufacturing precision
If the saw unit oscillates in a horizontal direction around the tree trunk to catch all branches, then complete delimbing is achieved, but the oscillating movement slows down the speed at which the device can move up the tree trunk
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating saw unit operates continuously as the device climbs the tree trunk. The oscillation occurs simultaneously with the upward movement, eliminating idle time between cutting actions. This continuous operation ensures all branches are caught while maintaining high climbing speed and overall productivity.
4Productivity
If three separate circular saws with individual drive motors are used as described in DE 101 24 61 1 B4, then the cutting capability is enhanced, but the device becomes expensive and susceptible to repairs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using three separate circular saws with individual drive motors, the invention merges the cutting function into a single oscillating saw unit with one drive mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points, significantly improving device reliability while maintaining effective branch cutting capability through the oscillating motion.
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
Enables rapid, uniform, and cost-effective delimbing with minimal bark damage, capable of processing trees of varying diameters and heights, with a compact design that can be operated by a single person, achieving 25-30 trees per hour with minimal operator effort and reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
two opposing circular saws with non-set teeth... each circular saw being powered by its own electric motor... the respective teeth of the two circular saws... saw off the branch
Implementation Method 2
each lever being assigned a pneumatic cylinder, each with a piston rod, as a result of which the levers can be pivoted
Implementation Method 3
drive belts provided with a smooth surface. With the help of these drive chains, which are pressed against the tree, the device moves up the tree trunk independently
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) for removing branches (100) from living trees (102) comprises a main frame for receiving and attaching the components of the device (10), mutually offset drive belts (74) which can be moved towards the bark of the tree (102), are pressed against the bark and move the device (10) upwards then downwards again on the tree (102), wherein the device comprises a cutting tool for removing branches (100) during the ascending motion of the device (10), and the cutting tool can be moved from a rest position to a working position in order to remove the branches (100). According to the invention, the cutting tool is formed by two opposite circular saws (46, 48) which can be moved in a circle around the tree (102) and have non-straight-set teeth (50, 52), the teeth (50, 52) of the two opposite circular saws (46, 48) which are cutting the branch (100) at any given time being always diametrically opposite and spaced apart from the tree (102) by the same, predetermined distance, whatever the diameter of the tree (102), such that the branches (100) are always sawn off at diametrically opposed points of the tree (102), whatever the diameter of the tree (102).