Continuous Log Turner with Driven Spiked Rolls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional log turners face challenges in accurately turning logs during high-speed processing due to indirect rotation methods, leading to potential slippage and reduced lumber yield, and require complex reset mechanisms that limit processing speed.
Innovation Solution
A log turner system that simultaneously rotates, elevates, and slews logs using a rotating center ring with driven spiked rolls, allowing continuous forward conveying and eliminating the need for a 'reset to home' motion by using multiple hydraulic or electric pathways and wireless control signals for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional indirect rotation methods are used to turn logs during forward motion, then the log can be turned without stopping, but the turning accuracy deteriorates due to slippage and surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional indirect mechanical rotation system with a direct rotation mechanism. The log is gripped by spiked rolls that directly rotate the log about its longitudinal axis while simultaneously conveying it forward, eliminating the intermediate translation calculations and reducing slippage errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters by implementing direct rotary motion with precise angular positioning. The system uses encoded feedback to accurately control the rotation angle, transforming the process from indirect linear-to-rotary conversion to direct angular positioning with measured feedback.
2Productivity
If traditional flying log turners are used to turn logs during forward motion, then continuous processing is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to required reset mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by eliminating the reset stroke requirement. The spiked rolls can directly engage and rotate each log as it passes through, maintaining continuous forward conveying and rotation without needing to return to a home position between logs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary reset mechanism from the traditional flying log turner design. By implementing direct rotation engagement, the system eliminates the complex reset-to-home motion that characterized previous designs.
3Ease of operation
If traditional indirect rotation methods are used, then the log can be turned during forward motion, but the turning precision deteriorates due to translation from rotary angle to linear travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the indirect translation method with direct rotary actuation. The system directly controls the rotation angle of the log using encoded feedback from rotary position sensors, eliminating the need to convert rotary angles to linear travel distances based on log diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements encoded feedback measurement of the log's rotary position. Sensors directly measure the angular position of the rotating spiked rolls, providing precise feedback to the control system to ensure accurate turning without relying on calculated translations.
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
This solution provides accurate and efficient log positioning for optimized rotary orientation, reducing slippage and increasing processing speed while minimizing equipment wear and enhancing lumber yield.
Implementation Method 1
multiple hydraulic or electric pathways and wireless control signals for actuation
Implementation Method 2
driven spiked rolls, allowing continuous forward conveying
Data Source
AI summary
An elevating and clewing continuous log turner includes a mainframe having a movable frame adapted for vertical or horizontal translation relative to the mainframe. A rotating group is mounted in the movable frame. The rotating group has a passageway therethrough. Roller arms are pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the rotating group. The roller arms concentrically clamp the log relative to the rotating group to thereby rotate the log about its longitudinal axis simultaneously with selective rotation of the rotating group. At least one actuator horizontally and vertically translates the movable frame relative to the mainframe.