Adjustable Veneer Conveyor for Variable Sheet Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing veneer transporting apparatuses are limited to handling veneer sheets of specific lengths, requiring multiple apparatuses to accommodate varying sheet lengths, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A veneer transporting apparatus with adjustable conveyors and aligners, equipped with a vacuum system and control unit, allowing for the transportation of veneer sheets of varying lengths by adjusting the position of the conveyor and aligner in the direction transverse to the travel direction, ensuring proper alignment and stacking according to size, moisture content, and quality grade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a veneer transporting apparatus is designed for a specific length, then it can handle that length effectively, but it cannot accommodate veneer sheets of other lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor is made dynamically adjustable in the transverse direction through an actuator mechanism. The conveyor position can be changed between different transverse locations to accommodate veneer sheets of varying lengths, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The veneer transporting apparatus is designed with universal capability to handle veneer sheets across a wide range of lengths (e.g., 4 feet to 10 feet). By enabling the conveyor to be positioned at multiple transverse locations, a single apparatus performs the function of multiple fixed-length apparatuses, achieving multi-functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transporting apparatuses are used to accommodate different lengths, then each apparatus is optimized for its specific length, but the overall system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fixed-length transporting apparatuses are merged into a single apparatus with an adjustable conveyor. The conveyor can be positioned at different transverse locations to handle different veneer lengths, combining the functionality of multiple separate machines into one unified system
Solution Approach 2:
A single veneer transporting apparatus is designed to perform the function of multiple apparatuses by enabling the conveyor to accommodate veneer sheets of varying lengths through transverse position adjustment, reducing the total number of machines required
3Manufacturing precision
If the conveyor position is fixed, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but it cannot align veneer sheets of different lengths properly
Solution Approach 1:
Both the conveyor and aligner are made dynamically adjustable in the transverse direction. This dynamic positioning capability allows precise alignment of veneer sheets of different lengths by coordinating the movement of the conveyor and aligner to match the specific length being processed
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a control unit that receives input about the desired veneer length and automatically adjusts the conveyor and aligner positions accordingly. This feedback-controlled adjustment ensures precise alignment while simplifying the operation of the adjustable mechanisms
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
Enables the use of a single apparatus for a wide range of veneer sheet lengths, improving efficiency and reducing the need for multiple machines, while ensuring accurate alignment and stacking of veneer sheets based on various criteria.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum opening adjacent the belt that is in communication with the vacuum source to draw respective sheets of veneer to the belt by suction applied to the upper surface or the lower surface of the veneer sheets via the vacuum opening
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting veneer sheets, where the veneer sheets each have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of edges connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The apparatus includes a vacuum source and a conveyor for transporting individual sheets of veneer along a direction of travel to a predetermined location. The conveyor includes a belt running in the direction of travel. A vacuum opening adjacent the belt is in communication with the vacuum source to draw respective sheets of veneer to the belt by suction applied to the upper surface or the lower surface of the veneer sheets via the vacuum opening. The position of the conveyor is adjustable in a direction transverse the direction of travel to accommodate veneer sheets having different lengths.