Lumber Bin Sorter with Vertically Displaceable Support Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lumber bin sorters lack the capability to efficiently sort both full-length and cut lumber in a single bin, limiting their versatility and requiring more bins for varied lumber lengths.
Innovation Solution
A bin sorter design featuring a support assembly with vertically displaceable support members and diverters, allowing for the sorting of full-length and cut lumber within the same bin, facilitated by a rail system and drive mechanism for efficient vertical movement and controlled sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single bin is used to sort both full-length and cut lumber, then bin versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for support assemblies and vertical displacement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bin is divided into multiple compartments using support members that can be positioned at different heights, allowing separate sorting zones for full-length and cut lumber within a single bin structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are made vertically displaceable through drive mechanisms, enabling dynamic adjustment of compartment configurations to accommodate different lumber sorting requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertically displaceable support members are added to enable versatile sorting, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support members serve multiple functions: they act as structural supports, create compartment boundaries, and can be vertically positioned to accommodate different lumber types, reducing the need for separate specialized components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support base is made vertically displaceable to support different lumber configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is designed with vertical displacement capability through engagement with rail systems and drive mechanisms, allowing it to adapt its position dynamically based on the sorting requirements of different lumber configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A bin sorter for sorting lumber is provided. The bin sorter includes a plurality of bins disposed in a side-by-side configuration. Each bin includes a pair of spaced-apart walls defining a compartment therebetween for receiving lumber. Each compartment has a compartment inlet provided at a top end thereof, and a compartment outlet provided at a bottom end thereof. At least one of the plurality of bins has a support assembly for supporting one or more piles of lumber within the compartment. The support assembly includes a pair of support members having a support base vertically displaceable between the top and bottom ends of the compartment and a support arm connected to the support base and extending within the compartment towards the other support arm. Each support arm is adapted to support a respective pile of lumber or cooperate with one another to support a single pile of lumber.