Post Puller With Self-Closing Doors For Linear Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post puller technologies require manual handling and safety concerns due to arcuate lifting motions, which can damage posts or holes and necessitate a second operator for secure operation.
Innovation Solution
A post puller apparatus with fork apertures and support members, coupled with post removal doors and blades, allowing for linear lifting and secure attachment to vehicles like skid loaders or forklifts, enabling a single operator to safely lift and move heavy posts through a linear motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a chain clamp is used to secure the post to the lifting machine, then the post can be grasped and lifted, but a second person is needed to hold the chain securely during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The post puller is designed to automatically secure itself to the post through its self-closing doors with springs and latches. The doors automatically close and latch when the forks are raised, eliminating the need for manual chain handling by a second operator. The device serves itself by mechanically securing the load without human intervention.
2Force
If a tractor or skid-steer loader is used for lifting, then heavy posts can be lifted, but the arcuate lifting motion can cause the post to bind against the walls of the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The post puller incorporates movable doors that can swing outward on hinges as the post is lifted. This dynamic adjustment allows the doors to accommodate the post's movement and prevents binding against the hole walls. The mechanism adapts its geometry during the lifting process to maintain linear motion.
3Ease of operation
If one person operates both the chain and the tractor, then a second person is not needed, but the operation becomes clumsy and poses safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The post puller automatically secures itself to the post through its self-closing doors with springs and latches. The doors automatically close and latch when the forks are raised, eliminating the need for manual chain handling by a second operator. The device serves itself by mechanically securing the load without human intervention.
4Reliability
If the post puller uses self-closing doors with springs and latches, then the post is securely held during lifting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post puller incorporates movable doors that can swing outward on hinges as the post is lifted. This dynamic adjustment allows the doors to accommodate the post's movement and prevents binding against the hole walls. The mechanism adapts its geometry during the lifting process to maintain linear motion.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a post puller may include one or more of the following features: (a) a frame capable of being coupled to a vehicle, (b) first and second post removal doors having an open side facing each other and an opposite end coupled to the frame, (c) a V-shaped opening located on the open side of the doors, (d) butt hinges along which couple the doors to the frame along a hinge axis, (e) a blade located on the open side of each door, and (f) a fork aperture for receiving a fork.