Log Positioning System with Skewed Feed Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In lumber processing, existing systems face challenges in accurately positioning logs due to shifting caused by force applied during chipping and the curvature of logs, leading to sub-optimal chipping and sawing results.
Innovation Solution
A log positioning system that includes a positioning feed module with a sharp chain and vertical rolls, which can be skewed, slewed, and tilted to match the log's orientation, combined with an optimizing scanner system to determine the optimal rotational position and cutting solution, ensuring precise positioning and processing of logs through multiple chipper and profiler modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If force is applied against the log by chip heads to process it, then chipping operation is enabled, but the log shifts on the conveyor resulting in inaccurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning of the log to determine its curvature and orientation before chipping begins. This allows the conveyor and chip heads to be pre-positioned to accommodate the log's characteristics, preventing shifting during the chipping operation and maintaining positioning accuracy throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is made dynamic and adjustable, capable of changing its configuration to match the scanned log's curvature and orientation. This dynamic adaptation allows the log to be securely positioned and transported without shifting, even as chip heads apply force during processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conveyor is adjusted to match log curvature, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the log itself to guide the conveyor's configuration. By scanning the log's curvature and orientation, the system automatically determines the optimal conveyor settings, allowing the workpiece to essentially 'guide' its own positioning without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning system provides real-time feedback about the log's characteristics to the conveyor control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of the conveyor to match the log's curvature, improving positioning accuracy while minimizing the need for complex manual intervention.
3Productivity
If multiple chip heads are used to process the log, then processing efficiency is improved, but log stability deteriorates due to multiple force applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system scans and plans the entire chipping operation before it begins, determining the optimal sequence and positioning of multiple chip heads. This preliminary planning ensures that chip heads are positioned to minimize destabilizing forces while maintaining high processing efficiency throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor and chip head positions are dynamically adjusted during processing based on real-time feedback about log stability. This allows multiple chip heads to operate efficiently while the system continuously adapts to maintain log stability despite multiple force applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a log positioning system configured to transport a log through one or more chipper/profiler modules to produce a cant with four chipped/profiled sides. In some embodiments, a log processing system may include an infeed, a positioning feed module downstream of the infeed, and one or more chipper/profiler modules disposed proximal to the positioning feed module. The positioning feed module may include a sharp chain coupled to one or more pairs of vertical positioning rolls. The positioning feed module may be selectively skewed, slewed, and/or tilted to match the vertical and angular orientation of the infeed.