3D-Scanned Edger Feed Line for Minimal Flitch Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional edger operations experience significant delays due to the manual placement of flitches, resulting in gaps between successive flitches being processed, which reduces the efficiency of lumber production and maximization of marketable boards.

Innovation Solution

An edger feeding apparatus and method that utilizes a scanner and carriage assembly to create digital three-dimensional models of flitches, optimizing their positioning and orientation for rapid and efficient transfer into the edger, minimizing spacing and dead time between flitches, and adjusting saw blade positions for maximum lumber value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual placement of flitches is used by edger operator, then positioning and orientation can be adjusted, but significant dead time and gaps occur between successive flitches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual positioning and orientation adjustmentVSAvoiddead time between flitches

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning and measurement of flitches before they reach the edger, pre-determines optimal positioning and orientation, and prepares the saw blade positions in advance. This allows the flitch to be automatically positioned without manual intervention delays, eliminating dead time while maintaining optimal positioning for maximum lumber yield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated system that uses optical scanning, computer processing, and mechanical positioning devices. The scanner captures flitch dimensions, the computer calculates optimal positioning, and automated mechanisms position the flitch and adjust saw blades, eliminating manual operation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual placement with estimated positioning is used, then operation is simple, but maximum production of marketable lumber cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of edger operationVSAvoidproduction of marketable lumber

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses optical scanners to capture actual flitch dimensions and characteristics, feeds this data to a computer that calculates optimal saw blade positions and flitch orientation, and then automatically positions the flitch and adjusts the saws. This closed-loop feedback system ensures maximum marketable lumber production while maintaining automated simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes parameters such as flitch positioning, orientation, and saw blade positions based on scanned measurements of each flitch's actual dimensions and characteristics. This allows optimization of lumber yield for each specific flitch while maintaining automated operation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If large spacing between flitches is maintained, then manual positioning is easier, but output and production efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual flitch positioningVSAvoidedger output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual positioning with automated mechanical positioning systems that can accurately position flitches in tight succession. The automated system includes positioning devices that precisely place each flitch without requiring large gaps, thereby increasing edger output while maintaining operational ease through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If rapid transfer of flitches is implemented, then dead time is reduced, but positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedead time between flitchesVSAvoidflitch positioning and orientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual positioning with automated positioning mechanisms that can rapidly and precisely position flitches. The computer-controlled positioning devices accurately determine optimal orientation and position based on scanned data, then mechanically position the flitch with precision despite rapid transfer speeds, eliminating dead time without sacrificing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11565334B2Method and apparatus for providing flitches to an edger

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BRUNETTE SALEM USA INC

AI summary

An edger feed apparatus and method of feeding flitches into an edger are disclosed. The flitches are positioned with minimal spacing between successive flitches and with flitches positioned and the edger adjusted so as to yield a maximum value of lumber from each flitch. The edger feed apparatus may include a fetcher assembly to hold a second flitch in an edger ready position while a portion of the first flitch is directed below on an edger infeed mechanism being transported to the edger. The fetcher assembly releases the second flitch on to the edger infeed mechanism when the first flitch has moved clear from beneath the edger ready position. The edger feed apparatus additionally includes a scanner system for creating and storing a digital three-dimensional model of each flitch for determining a sawing solution to be implemented by the edger.