Camfeeder Disk Kicker for Smooth Log Transition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing the direction of heavy elongated objects, such as logs, from a transverse to a linear direction often result in abrupt acceleration, leading to unpredictable slipping or the need for complex motion control, and cause wear and damage to conveyors due to sudden acceleration.

Innovation Solution

A camfeeder system that uses a high friction disk kicker mounted on an off-center shaft to simultaneously accelerate and move the object in a sinusoidal motion, aligning the object's short axis with the transverse direction and long axis with the linear direction, allowing smooth transition onto a conveyor while matching the conveyor's speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a high friction surface is used on the disk kicker to accelerate the log in the lineal direction, then the acceleration becomes smooth and controlled, but the log may slip unpredictably or require complex motion control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelineal acceleration smoothnessVSAvoidlog slipping control

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disk kicker surface is designed with varying friction characteristics - the outfeed end has a high friction surface for controlled acceleration, while other portions may have different friction properties. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve smooth acceleration without unpredictable slipping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The disk kicker is rotated at a controlled speed that can be adjusted to match the conveyor speed. The rotation speed is dynamically controlled to provide smooth acceleration rather than abrupt movement, eliminating the need for complex motion control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If abrupt acceleration is applied to heavy logs when moved onto the conveyor, then the transition is quick, but it causes wear and damage to the conveyor over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition speedVSAvoidconveyor wear and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The disk kicker rotation speed is controlled to provide gradual acceleration rather than abrupt movement. The acceleration profile is dynamically adjusted to match the conveyor speed, ensuring smooth transition that prevents wear and damage to the conveyor while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The high friction surface on the disk kicker outfeed end provides controlled grip that gradually accelerates the log before it contacts the conveyor. This preliminary controlled acceleration cushions the impact and prevents sudden jolts that would cause conveyor damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If a low friction surface is used on the disk kicker to avoid lineal acceleration, then the log is moved in only the transverse direction, but the acceleration becomes too sudden requiring complex motion control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion control simplicityVSAvoidacceleration smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The disk kicker is designed with a high friction surface specifically on the outfeed end portion that contacts the log during acceleration. This localized high friction area provides controlled lineal acceleration, while the rest of the disk may have different friction characteristics, achieving smooth acceleration without complex motion control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The friction parameter of the disk kicker surface is changed by using high friction material on the outfeed end. This parameter change enables the surface to provide controlled acceleration and grip on the log, transforming the acceleration profile from sudden to smooth while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system achieves smooth and simultaneous transverse movement and linear acceleration of heavy elongated objects, reducing wear on conveyors and eliminating the need for complex motion control by ensuring a controlled and synchronized transition from transverse to linear direction.

Implementation Method 1

a disk kicker being configured to rotate about an off-center shaft, the disk kicker having a friction surface configured to contact a surface of the elongated object, and during rotation the disk kicker simultaneously accelerates the elongated object in the lineal direction the conveyor moves and moves the elongated object in the transverse direction onto the conveyor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11465857B2Camfeeder and a method of using the camfeeder to simultaneously move a heavy elongated object in a transverse direction and accelerate the object in a lineal direction

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 WE KNOW HOW HLDG LLC

AI summary

A camfeeder system that uses an eccentric disk kicker having a friction surface that contacts surface of a heavy elongated object to smoothly and simultaneously move the elongated object in a transverse direction towards a conveyor and accelerate the elongated object in a lineal direction the conveyor travels. A method of changing a direction a heavy elongated object travels from transverse to lineal using the camfeeder system.