Leaf Spring Veneer Moving Apparatus Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing veneer joining apparatuses face challenges in maintaining minimal gaps between cut edges of veneer sheets, leading to potential defects in the final product, such as plywood, due to the complexity and maintenance difficulties of existing splicing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A veneer moving apparatus utilizing leaf springs to move one veneer sheet towards its preceding sheet, utilizing the restoring force of elastically deformable leaf springs to reduce or eliminate gaps between veneer sheets, simplifying the apparatus structure and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing splicing apparatuses are used to maintain minimal gaps between veneer sheets, then the gap reduction is achieved, but the apparatus structure becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of gap reduction from complex splicing apparatuses and implements it using a simple pusher member that pushes the following veneer sheet toward the preceding sheet. This eliminates the need for complex mechanisms while achieving the same gap reduction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher member is designed to be automatically actuated by the conveyor system itself, utilizing the existing movement of veneer sheets to trigger the pushing action. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external complex control systems while maintaining precise gap control.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing splicing apparatuses are used to maintain minimal gaps between veneer sheets, then the gap reduction is achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its straightforward construction makes it much easier to maintain compared to complex splicing apparatuses, aligning with the principle of using simple, replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting the gap reduction function from complex maintenance-heavy apparatuses and implementing it with a simple pusher member, the maintenance burden is significantly reduced while preserving the manufacturing precision of gap control.
3Manufacturing precision
If veneer sheets are positioned with minimal gaps using complex apparatuses, then joining precision is improved, but the operation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher member is automatically actuated by the conveyor system's existing motion, detecting when veneer sheets arrive and automatically pushing them into position. This self-service operation eliminates complex manual or externally-controlled operations while maintaining joining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential joining function is extracted from complex operational sequences and simplified to a single pushing action performed by the pusher member, making the operation much easier while preserving the precision of veneer sheet alignment.
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates gaps between veneer sheets during the joining process, enhancing the quality and handling of the final product by maintaining the sheets in close proximity, thus improving the efficiency and simplicity of the veneer joining operation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the restoring force of elastically deformable leaf springs to reduce or eliminate gaps between veneer sheets
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for moving veneer includes a leaf spring (231) having at lower tip end (231C) thereof sharpened edges and configured to move a veneer sheet (209A) toward its preceding stationary veneer sheet (205A). Further lowering the leaf spring with the tip end already stuck in the veneer sheet causes the leaf spring to be resiliently deformed, which creates a force due to restoring force of the leaf spring that acts on the veneer sheet to move toward the preceding veneer sheet thereby to reduce or eliminate a gap between the two veneer sheets. Additional leaf spring (233) movable with the above leaf spring and configured to hold the preceding veneer sheet during the movement may be provided.