Rotating Conveying Means for Continuous Tree Root Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing root reduction devices for tree trunks have inefficiencies in throughput time due to sequential processes, where tree trunks need to be individually positioned and processed, leading to prolonged processing times.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates rotating conveying means that allow for simultaneous transverse transport and root reduction, enabling overlapping of processes such as picking up, holding down, processing, and ejecting tree trunks, with chain conveyors and a V-shaped support system to facilitate efficient rotation and positioning for reduced processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If sequential positioning and processing steps are used for tree trunks, then processing precision is maintained, but throughput time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidthroughput time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous processing by enabling the conveying means to rotate and transport multiple tree trunks through the processing position simultaneously. The conveying means continuously picks up tree trunks, rotates them into processing position, maintains them during root reduction, and ejects them without interruption, allowing the milling device to operate continuously on different trunks without waiting for sequential completion of positioning steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying means is designed with dynamic rotational capability about its own axis, allowing it to actively position and reposition tree trunks in real-time. This dynamic rotation enables the system to adapt the positioning of multiple trunks simultaneously, maintaining processing precision while eliminating the delays associated with static, sequential positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If individual positioning of tree trunks is performed before processing, then processing accuracy is ensured, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the positioning function and processing function into a single integrated system. The conveying means performs both positioning (by rotating into processing position) and processing (by holding the trunk during milling) in a unified continuous operation, eliminating the separate timing and coordination required between independent positioning and processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying means pre-positions tree trunks into the correct processing position during its rotation before the milling operation begins. This preliminary positioning action is seamlessly integrated with the subsequent processing, ensuring the trunk is correctly positioned and ready for immediate milling without requiring separate positioning adjustments during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conveying means are stationary during processing, then structural simplicity is maintained, but throughput efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidthroughput efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying means is designed as a multi-functional device that performs transportation, rotation, positioning, holding, and ejecting functions all in one unit. This universal design eliminates the need for separate stationary conveying structures and additional positioning mechanisms, maintaining relative structural simplicity while achieving high throughput efficiency through its rotational and multi-functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1941979B1Device for removing or reducing the root base of trees
Publication Date: 2010.03.24 BALJER & ZEMBROD
  • EP1941979B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1e
  • EP1941979B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The device has a transport arrangement (7) for turning the tree trunk (3a-3c) into a position in which the root ends are removed or reduced, where a trunk rests on flat regions of the transport arrangement. The transport arrangement is mounted so as to be rotatable with flat outer regions (6a,6c) about an axis.