Timber Working Device Tilt Mechanism Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile forestry machines face challenges in maintaining optimal grip and reducing wear on logs and knives during the felling and processing of trees, due to varying tilt angles and forces applied by hydraulic actuators, which can lead to increased torque and shear forces, damaging the log surface and straining the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A timber working device with a controllable tilt mechanism and detection equipment, such as angle sensors or accelerometers, adjusts the closing force and tilt torque of the knives and feeding wheels based on the tilt angle to balance forces and reduce strain, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing damage to logs and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic actuators apply high gripping force to maintain optimal grip on logs, then grip stability is improved, but torque and shear forces on knives increase causing equipment strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the tilt mechanism that continuously adjusts the frame tilt angle based on detected operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the distribution of forces between hydraulic actuators and knife elements, maintaining reliable grip while preventing excessive torque and shear forces that would strain equipment. The system transitions from static force application to dynamic force optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing variable tilt angle control of the frame. By modifying the tilt parameter in response to detected conditions, the system optimizes force distribution throughout the harvesting mechanism. This parameter change allows the hydraulic actuators to apply gripping force more efficiently, reducing the harmful torque and shear forces on knives while maintaining grip stability.
2Power
If hydraulic actuators increase torque to handle heavy loads, then load handling capability is improved, but wear on logs and knives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt mechanism functions as a counterbalancing system that offsets excessive forces. By adjusting the frame tilt angle, the mechanism creates counteracting forces that reduce the net torque and shear forces transmitted to knives and logs. This counterbalancing effect maintains load handling capability while minimizing wear on both logs and knife elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high torque and shear forces into beneficial force distribution through tilt angle adjustment. By redirecting forces through the tilted frame structure, the system transforms excessive localized stresses into more distributed, manageable forces that maintain power transmission while reducing wear on critical components.
3Manufacturing precision
If detection equipment and tilt control are added to optimize force distribution, then log quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical force control mechanisms with a sensor-based detection and electronic control system. Instead of using purely mechanical linkages and levers to control force distribution, the system uses detection equipment to sense operating conditions and electronically controls the tilt mechanism, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving precise force optimization for improved log quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A timber working device, comprising a frame, having a feed axis, a drive system, configured to feed at least one stem along the feed axis, at least a pair of upper knives or lower knives movably attached to the frame, wherein the knives are configured to be controllable each by an actuator to open and close around a stem, a tilt mechanism comprising a controllable tilt bracket pivotably attached to the frame, to control a tilt position of the frame in relation to the tilt bracket.