Standing Tree Compression Ring for Branch Baling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree balers are large, complicated, and expensive, making them difficult to maneuver and often damaging tree branches, especially when trying to compress the branches of large trees to meet legal highway transport width requirements.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, towable tree baler with a novel telescoping wheeled frame and independent maneuvering capabilities, featuring a rotation arm for precise alignment and a specialized liner to reduce friction, allowing for efficient and damage-free branch compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If heavy and complicated equipment is used to compress large tree limbs, then the required powerful force is achieved, but the equipment becomes difficult to maneuver and position close to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted around the tree trunk. This segmentation allows the ring to be maneuvered into position more easily while maintaining the structural integrity needed to generate sufficient compression force on large tree limbs
Solution Approach 2:
A cable system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the compression ring. The cable allows force to be transmitted over a distance, enabling the operator to position and operate the compression ring from a remote location, thus improving maneuverability without sacrificing compression capability
2Power
If large bulky equipment is used for tree baling, then the required compression power is achieved, but close access to the tree is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism is extracted from a large bulky machine and embodied in a lightweight, portable compression ring that can be independently positioned around the tree trunk. This extraction eliminates the need for heavy equipment while maintaining compression capability, thereby providing close access to the tree and creating adequate working space around it
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring is designed to be self-contained and self-positioning around the tree trunk without requiring large supporting equipment. The ring independently performs the compression function, eliminating the need for heavy external machinery and thereby freeing up working space around the tree
3Length of moving object
If high-reach equipment is used to position the compression ring, then the ring can reach large trees, but proper alignment about the tree axis is rarely achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic alignment adjustments as it is positioned around the tree trunk. This dynamic capability enables precise alignment with the tree axis regardless of the height at which the ring is installed, overcoming the limitations of fixed high-reach equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical alignment systems are replaced with a cable-driven control system that allows remote and precise adjustment of the compression ring's position and orientation. This substitution enables accurate alignment with the tree axis from a distance, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms
4Device complexity
If conventional compression rings are used without specialized liners, then the structure is simple, but friction damages the tree branches
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized liner material is introduced as an intermediary between the compression ring and the tree branches. This liner reduces friction and prevents direct contact between the ring's metal surface and the tree bark, thereby protecting the branches from damage while the ring structure remains relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring is constructed with a composite structure combining a simple metal ring framework with a specialized friction-reducing liner material. This composite approach maintains structural simplicity while adding the protective function needed to prevent branch damage during compression
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and cost-effective means to compress tree branches, enabling easier handling and transport of large trees while minimizing branch damage and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation arm pivotably connected to the end of the boom at a first end of the arm. The ring is rotatably connected to a second end of the arm
Implementation Method 2
The ring includes a liner releasably affixed around its external operative surface to reduce the friction of the ring against the tree branches
Implementation Method 3
A hydraulic boom lifter is connected between the main frame and the boom for raising and lowering the boom about the pivot joint
Data Source
AI summary
A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted it forceably moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is removably affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce its coefficient of friction to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring is polygonal and includes a fully releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then reaffixed by a mating tongue and slot joint at one end a latch at the other end before it is raised.