Tree Shears Gripper Tilting Clamp Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art tree shears grippers have a long distance between the clamp and the arm, limiting the height at which trunks can be moved and loaded onto vehicles or equipment, due to weight stability concerns and structural dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A tree shears gripper with a tilting clamp mechanism that reduces the movement distance between operating positions, using a roto-translational movement and kinematic mechanisms with hydraulic actuators to move the clamp between vertical and horizontal positions, allowing for greater height and loading capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the clamp is directly connected to the arm in a fixed fashion, then the distance between the clamp and the arm is reduced, but the weight of the trunk could result in instability of the operating machine
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the arm and clamp is divided into multiple segments: the arm, a rack mechanism, and the clamp assembly. This segmentation allows the system to reduce distance while distributing the load through multiple connection points and mechanical advantages, preventing instability.
Solution Approach 2:
A rack mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the arm and the clamp. This intermediary structure enables the clamp to be positioned closer to the arm while maintaining stability through the rack's load-distributing geometry and connection to the arm at multiple points.
2Ease of operation
If a long supporting structure is used between the rack and the hinge of the clamp, then the clamp can be positioned correctly when horizontal, but the distance between the arm and clamp increases, limiting the height to which products can be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is made dynamic through the tilting mechanism, allowing it to rotate between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for a long fixed supporting structure, as the clamp can achieve correct positioning in both orientations with a compact mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is given the ability to move in a different dimension (rotation/tilting) rather than relying on a long linear structure. By adding this rotational degree of freedom, the system achieves proper clamp positioning without increasing the linear distance from the arm.
3Length of moving object
If the distance between the clamp and the arm is reduced, then the height to which trunks can be moved is increased, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rack mechanism serves multiple functions: it supports the clamp assembly, enables the tilting motion, provides structural connection to the arm, and facilitates both horizontal and vertical positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving the shortened distance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tree shears gripper (1) comprises a clamp (10) designed for gripping tree trunks, a cutting device (11) designed to cut a trunk and a supporting structure (2) for the clamp (10) and the cutting device (11). The clamp (10) is movable between a first operating position and a second operating position, in which it has different inclinations relative to the supporting structure (2). The gripper (1) comprises means (13, 40, 41, 42, 43) for moving the clamp (10) designed to move the clamp (10) between the first and second operating positions by means of a roto-translational movement.