Rotatable Cam Ejector for Lumber Stack Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling apparatuses for removing items from stacked bundles, such as lumber boards, are often overly complex, prone to breakdown, or lack optimal control over the removal process, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A material handling apparatus that uses rotatable cam members and ejector sub-assemblies to sequentially remove individual boards from the outermost vertical column of a stack, maintaining the integrity of the columns and rows, with each board being ejected onto a conveyor for further handling, and the stack is advanced to position subsequent columns for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hand picking is used to remove boards from a stack, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but the risk of injury increases and the process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical apparatus performs the board removal task autonomously without requiring human operators to physically handle the boards. The system uses automated mechanisms including conveyors, ejector assemblies, and control systems to pick and remove boards from stacks, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of hand-picking boards with an automated mechanical system. This includes using powered conveyors to transport stacks, automated ejector assemblies to remove individual boards, and control systems to coordinate the entire process, thereby eliminating direct human contact with heavy materials
2Productivity
If complex mechanical apparatuses are used to remove boards from stacks, then the speed and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases and breakdown risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The board removal system is divided into distinct functional modules: stack conveyors for transporting bundles, board ejector assemblies for removing individual boards, and control systems for coordination. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing for easier maintenance and reduced overall system complexity while maintaining high automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical apparatus is designed to handle multiple board sizes and stack configurations using the same core mechanisms. The ejector assemblies and conveyors can accommodate different board dimensions through adjustable parameters, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system
3Extent of automation
If existing mechanical systems are used for board removal, then automation is achieved, but control accuracy over released boards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the position and movement of boards during the ejection process. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to adjust ejection force and timing in real-time, ensuring precise control over board placement and maintaining accuracy throughout the automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The board ejection mechanism uses dynamic control where the ejection force and timing are continuously adjusted based on real-time conditions. The system can adapt its operation to accommodate variations in board properties and stack configurations, maintaining precise control through variable parameter adjustment rather than fixed mechanical settings
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 apparatus efficiently removes all boards from a stack while maintaining the structure of the remaining columns and rows, reducing the risk of injury and increasing the speed of the process, providing improved control and reliability compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
each cam member can be rotated between a recessed orientation and a contacting orientation relative to an end of the uppermost board member. In the recessed orientation, a portion of the cam member having a shorter radius faces the end of the board. In the contacting orientation, a portion of the cam member having a longer radius is brought into abutment with the end of the board, such that continued rotation of the cam results in ejection of the board from the vertical column
Data Source
AI summary
A material handling apparatus for selecting and removing items from a bundle such as stacked pieces of lumber boards is provided. Systems containing such apparatuses and methods for selecting and removing items from a bundle also are provided. The items are arranged in vertical columns and horizontal rows in the bundle; and ejector assemblies are used to individually remove the items. Other suitable items include, for example, wood, rolls, tubes, pipes, rods, packages, containers, bags, cases, cartons, and boxes.