Contactless Log Measurement for Precise Cutting and Splitting Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log cutting and splitting machines face challenges in accurately measuring log quantities due to issues like twisted logs, knots, and interference with cutting and splitting processes, requiring complex and costly modifications to existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method using a contactless distance meter to calibrate initial distances, perform continuous measurements, round and compare data, and calculate log volumes, allowing for precise and reliable log quantity determination without modifying the machine, employing a contactless distance meter and a processing unit to capture and process distance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three measuring points (diameter, cutting cycle, splitting cycle) are used to determine log quantity, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement information (log diameter and position) needed to calculate log quantity, eliminating the need for complex multi-point measurement systems. By using a single distance meter to capture the maximum distance value during log passage, the system obtains sufficient data to determine log quantity through calculation rather than direct multi-point measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measuring systems (gauges, angle meters, position meters) with a contactless distance meter using optical or electromagnetic fields. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while maintaining measurement capability, as the distance meter can accurately capture log dimensions without physical contact or complex mechanical linkages.
2Ease of manufacture
If contactless distance meter is used for measurement, then ease of installation on existing machines is improved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical gauges with a contactless distance meter that uses optical or electromagnetic fields to measure log dimensions. This eliminates the need for mechanical contact, complex mounting structures, and machine modifications, allowing easy installation on existing equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy through non-contact sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from direct contact gauge reading to capturing the maximum distance value during log passage. By monitoring the distance meter output over time and identifying the maximum value (which corresponds to the log diameter at the measurement point), the system achieves accurate measurements without mechanical contact or complex calibration procedures.
3Reliability
If multiple measurement parameters (diameter, cutting cycle, splitting cycle) are collected, then log quantity determination reliability is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement parameter (maximum distance value representing log diameter) needed for log quantity calculation, eliminating the need to collect and process multiple parameters such as cutting cycles and splitting cycles. This extraction of critical information reduces data processing time while maintaining determination reliability through direct measurement of log dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-parameter data collection systems with a simple time-series distance measurement approach. By continuously monitoring the distance meter output and identifying the maximum value during log passage, the system obtains log diameter information directly without needing to track cutting or splitting cycles, significantly reducing data processing requirements.
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 precise and reliable log quantity measurement in a cost-effective manner, compatible with existing machines without major interventions, improving measurement accuracy and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless distance meter (40) is used
Data Source
Figure 1~2f
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and measuring system for determining the amount of logs on a cutting and splitting machine. A technical problem is how to configure a method for determining the amount of logs that will allow for a precise and reliable determination of the amount of log, and a measuring system that will be price effective and reliable and installable on existing cutting and splitting machines. The technical problem is solved by a method comprising calibrating a distance meter, continuously performing distance measurement, capturing distance measurements at a predetermined time interval Δt, rounding the captured discrete values of the measured distance, comparing a predetermined number of consecutive rounded captured discrete values of the measured distance and excluding measurements if these values are not the same, comparing successively captured distance measurements at a predetermined time interval Δt without the measurements excluded in previous step, excluding distance measurements that do not follow the pattern of the initial gradually shortening the measured distance and then lengthening the measured distance, storing the shortest measured distance rd, completing the measurement cycle when the contactless distance meter detects the distance between r0 and r0-rtol, calculating a volume of a log at each end of the measurement cycle and then the cumulative amount of the logs. The measuring system comprises a contactless distance meter and a computer with a processing unit adapted to perform said method.