Automated Lumber Grabber with Movable Forks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for handling and processing timber are inflexible, inefficient, and costly, particularly when dealing with large and varied sizes of lumber, as they require multiple machines and excessive energy and human effort to manage the 'pick and place' tasks in timber mills.

Innovation Solution

A lumber grabber system for automated cranes, featuring moveable forks supported by a frame, powered by a motor and ball screw shafts, with self-leveling capabilities and programmable control, allowing for the grasping and positioning of lumber packages up to 20 feet in length, utilizing sensors for precise control and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional machines are used for handling timber, then the task can be completed, but the system lacks flexibility and requires multiple different machines for different sizes of work product

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in handling different lumber sizesVSAvoidnumber of different machines required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane-mounted grabber system is designed to handle various sizes of lumber packages (from 7 feet to over 20 feet in length) using a single versatile mechanism. The adjustable fork spacing and movable carriage system allow one grabber to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized machines, eliminating the need for different inflexible off-the-shelf machines for different work product sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The grabber employs movable carriages that can adjust their position along the frame, and forks that can vary their spacing dynamically. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same machine to adapt to different lumber package dimensions, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed machines for different sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional approaches are used, then timber can be moved, but additional energy and human effort are required to move timber among larger variety of machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of timber handlingVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the functions of multiple separate machines into a single integrated crane-mounted grabber unit. By merging the grasping, lifting, and positioning functions into one system, the need for additional energy and human effort to transfer timber between multiple machines is eliminated, directly improving productivity and reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated grabber system performs timber handling operations autonomously under programmed control, eliminating the need for additional human effort. The system self-adjusts through its movable carriages and adjustable fork mechanism to handle different lumber sizes without requiring manual intervention or additional energy input for machine transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed fork spacing is used, then the machine structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various work lengths of lumber

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various lumber lengthsVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The grabber frame is divided into modular sections with movable carriages that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows the fork spacing to be varied by moving the carriages to different locations along the frame, enabling accommodation of various lumber lengths through a systematic modular adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system enhances efficiency and flexibility in handling lumber by enabling automated, precise, and controlled grasping and placement of large lumber packages, reducing the need for multiple machines and energy consumption, and improving overall processing efficiency in timber mills.

Implementation Method 1

two sets of forks, each set of forks positioned on one of the movable carriages at either end of the frame and arranged diametrically opposed to each other, a motor, a set of one or more rotatable ball screw shafts connected to and driven by the motor and to the carriages, to change relative positions of the carriages at either end of the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall screw mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a motor, a set of one or more rotatable ball screw shafts connected to and driven by the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20230159307A1Lumber grabber for automated crane

Publication Date: 2023.05.25 IDAHO FOREST GROUP LLC

AI summary

The technology disclosed relates a lumber grabber for grasping timber. The lumber grabber can achieve grasping large packages of lumber of various work lengths. In one configuration, the lumber grabber includes moveable forks for grasping lumber movably supported by a frame, affixable to a crane. Forks positioned at ends of the frame and arranged to open and close relative to one other under power by a source of motive force; thereby enabling grasping and ungrasping of packages of lumber under programmed control of a programmable controller executing stored instructions.