Spiked Plate With Integral Pull Tabs For Log Split Arrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for arresting log splits during drying, such as metal 'S' shaped clips and 'I' shaped devices, are difficult to remove and can cause damage to saw blades and pose safety risks, while conventional connector plates lack features for easy removal.
Innovation Solution
A spiked plate with integral pull tabs that can be engaged by a tool for easy insertion and removal, combined with a hand tool featuring a curved outer face and slot for cooperative engagement with the pull tabs, allowing for efficient locking and extraction of the plate from the log.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal 'S' shaped clips are driven edgewise into the end of a log to arrest splits, then the splitting is arrested, but the clips are difficult to remove and can damage saw blades or endanger workers
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two functional parts: a plate portion for arresting the split and a pull tab portion for removal. The pull tab is integral to the plate but can be broken off after installation, separating the installation function from the removal function. This allows the main plate to remain embedded in the log while the tab serves as a removable extraction aid.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull tab acts as an intermediary element that facilitates removal without requiring direct engagement with the embedded plate. Workers use chainfalls or other extraction tools that engage with the tab, providing a safe and easy mechanism to remove the split-arresting device without damaging saw blades or endangering workers.
2Reliability
If metal 'S' shaped clips are used to arrest splits, then the split propagation is prevented, but removal is time consuming and requires difficult gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tab is pre-formed as part of the device during manufacturing, positioned and shaped to facilitate future removal. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field operations to create removal features, allowing workers to simply attach extraction tools to the pre-positioned tab for quick removal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If 'I' shaped plastic devices are driven into the end of a log to arrest splits, then saw blade damage and worker safety risks are eliminated, but the devices are difficult to drive in and may break during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the advantages of metal (strength, rigidity) and plastic (safety, ease of formation) by using a metal plate with integral tabs. The metal construction provides the strength needed for easy driving into hard wood while maintaining safety benefits, and the integral tabs can be formed through stamping or punching operations during manufacturing.
4Strength
If conventional connector plates with spikes are used to join lumber, then the plates effectively join the components, but the plates lack features for easy removal
Solution Approach 1:
The connector plate is segmented into a main plate portion with spikes for joining and integral pull tabs for removal. This segmentation allows the plate to serve dual purposes: strong mechanical joining through spikes and easy removal through the tab, which can be engaged by chainfalls or other extraction tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A plate (10) with spikes (11) projecting therefrom to impale a log on respective opposite sides of a crack (20) in the end of the log and wherein the plate has pull tabs (18, 19) integral therewith and grippingly engageable by a tool (30) used to remove the plate from the end of the log. A tool for inserting and removing the plate from the log includes means (37) for driving and means (33) for removing the plate from the log including a slot (35) adjacent the impact end of the tool and into which the pull tab on the plate is inserted.