Edger Flitch Feed Positioning for Minimal Gaps and Higher Yield
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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
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning and measurement of each flitch before it reaches the edger, creating a digital 3D model in advance. This allows the optimization algorithm to pre-determine the optimal positioning and orientation, so that when the flitch arrives at the edger, all adjustments are already planned and executed automatically, eliminating the manual adjustment time and reducing dead time between flitches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated system that uses digital scanning, computer processing, and automated mechanical actuators. The optical scanning system captures flitch dimensions, the computer algorithm optimizes the cutting plan, and automated positioning mechanisms execute the positioning, substituting human manual operations with integrated digital-mechanical systems that operate faster and more precisely.
2Ease of operation
If flitches are delivered serially with manual positioning, then operator control is maintained, but significant gaps exist between tail end of one flitch and head end of next flitch
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the flitch processing to become self-service by automatically scanning, measuring, optimizing, and positioning each flitch without requiring operator intervention. The digital 3D model captures all necessary dimensional information, the algorithm independently determines the optimal cutting plan, and the automated positioning system executes the positioning, allowing the system to process flitches continuously at maximum speed without operator bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the digital scanning and measurement process, where the actual dimensions and characteristics of each flitch are captured and fed into the optimization algorithm. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt the cutting plan and positioning based on the specific properties of each flitch, maximizing lumber yield while maintaining continuous high-speed operation.
3Measurement precision
If laser guidelines are used to assist manual placement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but dead time between flitches remains significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical laser guideline system with a comprehensive digital 3D scanning system that captures complete dimensional information about each flitch. Instead of using lasers to provide visual guides for manual positioning, the system uses digital models processed by computers to automatically control positioning mechanisms, achieving both high precision and rapid operation without the time delays associated with manual interpretation and adjustment of laser guidelines.
Data Source
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.