Log Feeding Sequence for Faster Stable Spindle Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log feeding apparatuses face challenges in increasing productivity by shortening log transport time to cutting spindles without increasing workload or decreasing stability during transport.
Innovation Solution
The log feeding apparatus employs a centering unit, log feeding unit, transport unit, driving unit, and controller to feed logs to cutting spindles, allowing for increased log throughput by strategically positioning and moving the log feeding units and centering spindles to avoid log contact and optimize delivery timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operation speed of the first and second shaft bearing housings and the handling device is increased to shorten log transport time, then productivity is improved, but the workload applied to these components and actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The log transport system is divided into multiple independent shaft bearing housings (first, second, third, fourth) that can operate in parallel. Each housing handles a portion of the log flow, distributing the workload across multiple units rather than overloading a single high-speed mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Logs are pre-positioned and held in ready positions by the shaft bearing housings before being transferred to the handling device. The first and second shaft bearing housings hold logs at initial positions, and the third and fourth housings hold logs at intermediate positions, so that when the handling device is ready, logs are already positioned and can be transferred immediately without requiring the handling device to search or locate logs.
2Productivity
If the operation speed of the first and second shaft bearing housings and the handling device is increased to shorten log transport time, then productivity is improved, but stability during log transport may be lowered due to disordered movement
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path is segmented into multiple controlled zones with dedicated shaft bearing housings. Each housing maintains stable holding of logs in its zone, and transfer between zones occurs at controlled intervals. This segmentation prevents chaotic movement by creating ordered, discrete transfer points throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The third and fourth shaft bearing housings act as intermediary holding stations between the first/second housings and the handling device. Logs are transferred in a staged manner: first between housings 1-2, then between housings 3-4, and finally to the handling device. These intermediary stations buffer and regulate the flow, preventing direct chaotic interaction between multiple logs and the handling device.
3Loss of time
If the first and second shaft bearing housings are moved to the handling device side while deviation is corrected, then delivery time is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating multiple moving components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of log holding, deviation correction, and positioning are merged into integrated shaft bearing housing units. Each housing combines the capabilities of holding logs on spindles, measuring and correcting deviation, and positioning logs for transfer. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need coordination compared to having separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft bearing housings are equipped with self-centering spindles that automatically measure and correct log deviation as logs are held. The housings self-adjust their positioning based on real-time measurement of log geometry, eliminating the need for external complex positioning systems and reducing coordination complexity with the handling device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A log feeding apparatus for feeding a log to first and second cutting spindles is provided, in which a log PW is fed to a second receiving position RP2 when centering spindles 24a, 24b have reached second delivery position DP2 that is away from the second delivery position DP2 downward in the direction of log transport by a distance equal to or greater than an assumed maximum diameter of the log. That is, a new log PW is transported to the second receiving position RP2 when the log transported by placing sections 42, 42 reaches a position not to contact the log PW held between the centering spindles 24a, 24b. As a result, the time can be reduced for transporting the log PW to the cutting spindles 72a and 72b.