Tractor-Mounted Tree Puller Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical tree removal methods are inefficient, costly, and often require specialized equipment, especially for selective clearing of small areas or large quantities of trees, as they either leave stumps intact, incur high costs, or put excessive strain on equipment.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with a base frame and lifting frame secured to a mobile carrier, utilizing linear motors and gripper cams with independently controlled clamping cylinders to uproot trees by leveraging the earth's force, reducing the load on the carrier and allowing for efficient extraction of various tree sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional pulling devices mounted on mobile carriers are used, then tree removal is achieved, but the uprooting force is transferred to the frame and suspension of the mobile carrier limiting it to smaller trees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an independent frame assembly as an intermediary structure between the mobile carrier and the tree. This frame assembly with base frame and lifting frame creates a separate mechanical system that directly engages the tree trunk, mediating the force application and preventing it from being transferred to the mobile carrier's suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mobile carrier for positioning, the independent frame assembly for force application, and the gripper mechanism for tree engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others.
2Area of stationary object
If dozing is used for tree removal, then large areas can be cleared, but the cost is expensive and may not be cost effective for selectively clearing a small area
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability through the independently controlled clamping cylinders that can adjust to different tree diameters and positions. The frame assembly can be positioned and operated selectively across different areas, allowing the same equipment to handle both small selective clearing and larger area operations as needed.
3Productivity
If dozing is used for tree removal, then large areas can be cleared, but additional project expenses are incurred for reseeding with desired vegetation
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies localized uprooting force directly at the tree location through the frame assembly and gripper mechanism. This localized action removes only the targeted trees and stumps while leaving the surrounding soil structure and vegetation intact, avoiding the widespread disturbance caused by dozing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If spading of larger trees is performed, then trees can be transplanted, but specialized equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly with its independently controlled clamping cylinders and adjustable gripper mechanism provides universal functionality for different tree sizes and removal scenarios. The same basic structure can handle small saplings or larger trees, and can be used for both removal and potential transplantation applications without requiring specialized equipment variants.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extracting trees, stumps, posts and similar structures from the ground is attached to a 3-point hitch tractor accessory. The apparatus comprises a base frame and a lifting frame. The base frame includes a pair of vertical guides for confining a corresponding pair of vertical rails on the lift frame. A piston/cylinder type of linear motor is connected between the base frame and lifting frame to translate the lifting frame relative to the base frame. A pair of independently controlled gripping cylinders that are connected to respective gripping cams are mounted on the lifting frame. A tree is extracted by engaging the gripping cams against the tree and translating the lifting frame.