Crosscut Saw Scanning Layout Without Secondary Queue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated crosscut saw systems are inefficient due to the need for a secondary queue and rescanning when boards become misaligned or disoriented, leading to production downtime and space inefficiency, and they have length limitations that restrict the types of wood products that can be processed.

Innovation Solution

An automated saw system with a wood scanning unit and chop saw that operate in real time, allowing simultaneous scanning and cutting, eliminating the secondary queue and accommodating boards of varying lengths without additional space or equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple wood queues and automated feeder systems are used to manage boards before scanning and cutting, then the system can process boards with defects, but the system becomes large and unwieldly, taking significant floor space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the scanning unit and chop saw into a single integrated apparatus where the board is scanned and cut in the same operational sequence without requiring separate queues. This merging eliminates the need for multiple feeder systems and intermediate storage areas, significantly reducing floor space while maintaining defect detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the secondary queue and intermediate feeder systems from the traditional workflow. By implementing real-time communication between the scanning unit and chop saw, the system removes the need for boards to be stored and managed in separate queues, thereby reducing the physical footprint of the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If the entire board is scanned before cutting to identify defects, then accurate defect removal is achieved, but production time is lost due to sequential processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect removal accuracyVSAvoidproduction downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous operation where the scanning unit and chop saw work in an integrated sequence. The board is scanned and immediately processed by the chop saw without interruption or queue waiting time. This continuous workflow eliminates production downtime while maintaining the accuracy of defect identification and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning unit performs preliminary defect identification on the board as it enters the apparatus, and the results are immediately communicated to the chop saw. This preliminary action is integrated into the continuous workflow, allowing the cut to be executed promptly without stopping the production flow, thus reducing time loss while ensuring precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If boards are queued in a secondary queue after scanning, then cutting can be scheduled, but boards may become displaced or disoriented, requiring queue clearing and rescanning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated cutting controlVSAvoidboard positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time communication and feedback between the scanning unit and chop saw. The scanning unit provides immediate feedback about defect locations, and the chop saw receives real-time instructions to adjust cut positions accordingly. This feedback loop eliminates the need for intermediate queuing, ensuring boards maintain their correct positioning and orientation throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary that coordinates between the scanning unit and chop saw in real-time. This mediator processes scan data and immediately communicates cutting instructions, eliminating the need for physical intermediate queues where boards could become displaced or disoriented, thereby maintaining automated control and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If feeders are made large to accommodate multiple board lengths, then more board types can be processed, but the maximum board length is limited by the feeder size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboard length accommodationVSAvoidmaximum processable board length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities in the chop saw system, allowing the cutting mechanism to adapt to boards of varying lengths in real-time. The integrated control system can dynamically adjust cutting positions and speeds based on the actual board length, eliminating the need for large fixed-size feeders and removing the maximum length limitation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11213970B2Apparatus for optimized wood production in a chop saw

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 EAGLE MACHINERY & SUPPLY INC

AI summary

An automated crosscut saw system utilizing a wood scanning unit to optimize the cuts in a particular piece of wood to remove defects or flaws and a method of use therefor is provided. The automated saw system has the ability to scan and cut a piece of wood simultaneously or in rapid succession without the need for scanning the entire length of the wood prior to cutting. Further, the automated saw system may eliminate the need for a secondary feeder and secondary queue.