Double Even Ending Lumber Conveyor with Powered Rollers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated lumber cutting systems face inefficiencies and increased complexity when trying to relocate cut boards, as existing methods require diverting one board to another system or relocating it manually, leading to lost production and higher costs due to the need for complex controls and mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A double even ending board cutting system using a conveyor with powered rollers and an overhead hold back device to even end both ends of cut boards on their original lug space, allowing for independent sorting and processing without electronic controls or complex mechanical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one board piece is diverted to another system or relocated to an empty lug for handing, then the board can be processed independently, but this causes loss of opportunity and lost production due to interruption of the feeding process
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple lug sections, with dedicated powered rollers for first board pieces and second board pieces. This segmentation allows each board type to be processed independently on its own designated lugs without interfering with the other, enabling simultaneous independent processing while maintaining continuous feed.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead hold back device is positioned to prevent board pieces from moving forward before they reach the powered rollers. This preliminary action ensures that board pieces remain stationary and properly positioned during the even-ending operation, allowing processing to begin immediately when needed without waiting for previous operations to complete.
2Ease of operation
If complex controls and mechanical systems are used to relocate boards, then board handling can be achieved, but this increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rollers are positioned to automatically engage and move board pieces to the index line without requiring external control systems. The board pieces themselves drive the process by engaging with the powered rollers, which automatically perform the even-ending function. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex electronic controls, sensors, and programmable logic that would otherwise be required to coordinate board relocation and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed so that both first board pieces and second board pieces travel on the same conveyor at the same speed and elevation. This equipotential design allows both board types to be processed simultaneously without requiring complex transfer mechanisms, elevation changes, or synchronized coordination between different subsystems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If boards are even ended to an index point to allow automated handling, then processing precision is improved, but this requires additional mechanical systems to move boards to the index line
Solution Approach 1:
The even-ending function and the board movement function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The powered rollers both transport the board pieces along the conveyor and perform the even-ending operation at the index line in one continuous motion. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning systems, transfer mechanisms, or additional actuators that would otherwise be required to move boards to a precise index point, thereby achieving high precision with minimal added complexity.
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 efficient and cost-effective processing of cut lumber by maintaining boards on their original lug space, reducing production losses and simplifying mechanical systems, while allowing for automated handling and processing of boards with varying lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a first section of the conveyor comprising a plurality of first powered rollers constructed to move first board pieces travelling on the conveyor to the first side index line
Implementation Method 2
an overhead hold back constructed to hold the second board pieces in place on the traveling conveyor while the first board pieces are being moved
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a system and method for cutting boards into two board pieces, even ending one of the board pieces at a first side while travelling transversely on a conveyor and even ending the other board piece at a second side of the conveyor.