Grain Angle Sensor Electro-Optical Assembly for Real-Time Lumber Grading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tracheid cell direction sensors are inadequate in collecting sufficient information across a wood object's surface, are not fast enough for real-time data acquisition, and have large physical requirements, making them unsuitable for lumber grading and production applications.
Innovation Solution
A grain angle sensor system utilizing multiple laser diodes and photosensor devices integrated into a single electro-optical assembly, capable of acquiring data across the surface of a wood object in real-time and providing position-referenced data for lumber grading, with a compact design to fit within limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional tracheid cell direction sensors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sensor cannot collect sufficient information across the surface and is not fast enough for real-time data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple independent functional units, each containing a laser source and photosensor array. These segmented units can be distributed across the surface to simultaneously collect data from multiple locations, thereby increasing both data acquisition speed and surface coverage without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point surface scanning to multi-point parallel measurement by arranging multiple laser sources and photosensor arrays in spatial distribution. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous data collection across the entire surface area, resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and information completeness
2Volume of moving object
If conventional tracheid cell direction sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the physical space required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser sources, photosensor devices, and their supporting structures into an integrated electro-optical assembly. This merging of previously separate components into a unified compact structure reduces the overall physical footprint while maintaining the multi-point measurement capability necessary for real-time data acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electro-optical assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses multiple laser sources for illumination, multiple photosensor arrays for detection, and electronic control circuitry for coordination. This multi-functionality allows the compact assembly to perform complex surface scanning tasks that would otherwise require larger, separate systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensors collecting data from one spot per surface are used, then the device structure is simple, but the surface data cannot be readily combined with other location-sensitive data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates position-referenced data collection as a fundamental feature from the outset, with each laser source and photosensor pair assigned specific spatial coordinates. This preliminary establishment of location metadata enables seamless integration with other location-sensitive data systems without requiring complex post-processing or system modifications
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
The system effectively measures the direction and dive angle of wood fibers, enabling accurate lumber grading and quality determination in real-time while minimizing space requirements, thus addressing the limitations of conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The specular reflection properties of a tracheid cell of a wood object are well known. The primary response of light energy 20 striking a tracheid cell 22 on a surface 24 of a wood object 26 can be expressed by a simplified reflection 28
Data Source
AI summary
A grain angle sensor system for measuring grain angle direction of surface fibers of a wood object with respect to at least one of a surface plane direction or a transverse direction, such as a dive angle, or with respect to both the surface plane and transverse direction. The system includes multiple laser diodes and photosensor detectors integrated into an electro-optical assembly that can sequence the firing of the lasers to minimize crosstalk. An exemplary assembly includes an enclosure housing an electronic control board connected to circuit cards containing multiple laser diodes and multiple photosensor detectors.