Automated Lumber Cutting Line for Multi-Size Board Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lumber saws require manual adjustment and reconfiguration to handle lumber boards of different sizes and shapes, leading to inefficiencies in time, cost, and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A lumber handling and cutting apparatus with integrated conveyor systems, a printer assembly for marking lumber, and alignment mechanisms to automate the handling and cutting process for boards of varying dimensions, including multi-size board alignment, lifting members, and outfeed orientation to ensure consistent processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment and reconfiguration is used to handle different lumber sizes, then the equipment can accommodate various lumber characteristics, but it leads to time loss, increased cost, and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different lumber sizesVSAvoidtime for adjustment and reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms that automatically adapt to different lumber sizes through motorized conveyor speed control and positionable support members, eliminating manual reconfiguration time while maintaining versatility across various lumber dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that automatically detect lumber characteristics and adjust processing parameters without operator intervention, enabling the equipment to self-adapt to different lumber sizes while reducing manual adjustment time and safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment and reconfiguration is used to handle different lumber sizes, then the equipment can accommodate various lumber characteristics, but it increases operational cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different lumber sizesVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes variable parameters such as adjustable conveyor speeds, repositionable support members, and configurable cutting positions that can be digitally controlled to accommodate different lumber sizes, reducing operational costs through automated parameter adjustment rather than manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment and reconfiguration is used to handle different lumber sizes, then the equipment can accommodate various lumber characteristics, but it creates safety risks for operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different lumber sizesVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control systems that digitally manage conveyor speeds, support member positions, and cutting parameters, eliminating operator exposure to moving parts and reducing safety risks while maintaining adaptability to different lumber sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12491656B2Lumber handling and cutting apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lumber handling and cutting apparatus, including an incoming material conveyor assembly, a material infeed assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly, a cutting assembly adjacent to the material infeed assembly, a material outfeed assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, an outgoing material conveyor assembly adjacent to the cutting assembly, and a printer assembly adjacent to the incoming material conveyor assembly and the material infeed assembly.