Threaded Wood Handling Shank for Angle-Stable Log Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wood handling apparatuses fail to achieve secure penetration into wood and maintain a stable hold when the angle of force changes, often requiring repositioning during handling tasks like dragging or splitting.

Innovation Solution

A wood handling apparatus with a threaded and pointed main shank connected to a U-shaped support member and a drive handle, allowing for secure penetration and rotation, and optionally a connection member for attachment to cables or hooks, enabling secure handling without repositioning across varying angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing wood handling apparatuses (chains, tongs, hooks, clamps) are used to drag or lift wood, then the apparatus can initially contact the wood, but the connection becomes insecure when the angle of force changes, leading to slippage or failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidangle adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on resistant force (pushing against the wood), the invention uses penetrating force (screwing into the wood). The threaded main shank penetrates the wood grain and anchors securely, converting the approach from external resistance to internal anchoring. This inversion allows the apparatus to maintain secure connection regardless of angle changes during handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of connection from resistant contact to positive penetration. The threaded main shank with pointed tip enables screw-like penetration into the wood, creating a mechanical anchor that maintains holding power across varying angles and orientations during dragging, lifting, and positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If resistant force-based apparatuses (tongs, clamps) are used to connect to wood, then initial contact can be made, but the connection is prone to slippage or failure during handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial attachmentVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the connection mechanism from resistant force (tongs and clamps pushing against the wood surface) to penetrating force (threaded main shank screwing into the wood). This creates a mechanical anchor that prevents slippage and failure during handling operations while maintaining ease of initial attachment through the drive handle mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If existing handling apparatuses are used, then wood can be initially grasped, but the apparatus must be repositioned every time the angle or orientation of the wood changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting from resistant contact to positive penetration, the apparatus becomes angle-independent. The threaded main shank anchors securely into the wood grain, allowing the wood to be dragged, lifted, and positioned at various angles without requiring repositioning or reattachment, significantly improving handling efficiency and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If a threaded and pointed main shank is used for penetration, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple hooks or chains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration securityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the threaded main shank for penetration and anchoring, the support member for structural stability, and the drive handle for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded main shank serves multiple functions: it penetrates the wood, anchors securely, and provides a mounting point for the support member and drive handle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, balancing penetration security with device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus provides a secure, ergonomic connection for lifting, dragging, and rotating wood without repositioning, ensuring stability and ease of use across different orientations.

Implementation Method 1

The main shank is threaded and pointed to facilitate penetration into the wood

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The apparatus provides a secure connection through positive penetration for lifting, dragging, shifting, twisting, rotating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9150387B2Positive penetration wood handling apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 ELEVATOR RITE LOG CO LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for positive retention of wood connects to and retains wood for transport and handling, the apparatus comprising a drive handle connected to a support member, the support member connected a main shank, and the main shank adapted to positively penetrate wood through one or more of impact and rotation, wherein the main shank forms a connection to the wood after such positive penetration is achieved.