Vertical Log Splitter Articulated Arms Degrees of Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical log splitters lack ergonomic and adaptable retaining means that allow easy handling of logs both transversely and parallel to the cutting wedge, leading to unsafe and cumbersome operations due to limited degrees of freedom in retaining and handling logs before, during, and after splitting.
Innovation Solution
A vertical log splitter with articulated arms featuring a first joint with five degrees of freedom, allowing the log to be handled in various directions and heights, and a second joint providing two degrees of freedom for enhanced adaptability and safety, enabling the operator to block and handle logs without direct hand contact during the splitting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional retaining means with limited degrees of freedom are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining means employs articulated arms with multiple degrees of freedom instead of fixed rigid structures. The first articulated arm has a first joint with five degrees of freedom and a second joint with two degrees of freedom, allowing dynamic adaptation to logs of varying sizes and shapes while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is divided into multiple articulated segments (first articulated arm, second articulated arm) connected by joints with specific degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows each part to move independently, providing versatile log handling capability without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If retaining means with more degrees of freedom are implemented, then the adaptability to different log sizes improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic articulated arms with precisely defined degrees of freedom (five degrees for the first joint, two for the second joint) to adapt to different log sizes. This dynamic capability is achieved through a structured joint mechanism rather than a complex assembly of multiple independent components
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arms serve multiple functions: they retain logs of varying sizes, guide the cutting wedge, and provide ergonomic control interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing device complexity while maximizing adaptability
3Reliability
If the operator must keep both hands on handles during splitting, then safety improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arms serve as intermediaries between the operator and the log. The operator controls the log positioning and retention through the articulated arm controls, which mediate the interaction while maintaining safety by keeping hands away from the cutting zone and providing ergonomic control interfaces
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
Vertical log splitter comprising a vertical pillar (10) and a cutting wedge (12), which is mounted translatable along the longitudinal axis of said vertical pillar (10), in such a way that the displacement of said cutting wedge (12) allows a trunk positioned at the vertical pillar (10) to be subdivided into two or more parts. Means for retaining the trunk in place and means for activating the displacement of said cutting wedge (12) are also provided. The retaining means consist of two articulated arms (2), mounted on the sides of said vertical pillar (10) . Each articulated arm (2) comprises at least one element of contact and coupling with the trunk (20), which contact and coupling element (20) is connected to a lever through a first joint (25), said lever being connected to the vertical pillar (10) through a second joint (23), the first joint (25) being configured at least to allow a rotation of the contact and coupling element (20) around the axis of the lever, the second joint (23) being configured to allow the displacement of the coupling and contact element (20) according to at least one degree of freedom.