Adjustable Break Bundle Breaker with Dynamic Support Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bundle breakers face challenges in simultaneously breaking multiple logs of varying heights, as applying sufficient force to separate the shortest log can crush sheets in taller logs due to height discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A bundle breaker system with upstream and downstream breaking supports, first and second platens, and actuators, controlled by a controller that adjusts clamping force based on log height and torque sensing, using air bladders to minimize sheet damage and a 2-D sensing system for real-time log height and configuration detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient force is applied by the platens to secure the shortest log for proper breaking, then the breaking effectiveness is improved, but the sheets in the taller logs are partially crushed
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream support section is made tiltable relative to the upstream support section, allowing the breaking surface to be dynamically adjusted. The controller tilts the downstream support section to raise or lower the breaking surface based on detected log height variations, enabling the platens to apply appropriate force to each log without crushing sheets in taller logs while maintaining effective breaking of shorter logs
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the height of logs on the conveyor and provides feedback to the controller. The controller processes this height information and automatically adjusts the tilting angle of the downstream support section accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to varying log heights and prevents sheet crushing while ensuring reliable breaking
Data Source
AI summary
A bundle breaker has upstream and downstream breaking supports and first and second platens located above the breaking supports that are configured to be raised and lowered by actuators to selectively clamp a log between the platens and the breaking supports. A third actuator applies a shifting force to the downstream breaking support to shift an input end of the downstream breaking support relative to an output end of the upstream breaking support to break a second portion of the log from a first portion of the log. A controller controls the first actuator and the second actuator and the third actuator. Also, the controller is configured to stop or reduce the application of the shifting force in response to a determination that the second portion of the log has broken off the first portion of the log.