Lumber Handling Apparatus with Automated Orientation and Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lumber saws face challenges in efficiently handling and cutting lumber boards of varying sizes and orientations, requiring frequent adjustments and reconfigurations, which leads to inefficiencies in time, cost, and safety for operators.

Innovation Solution

The lumber handling and cutting apparatus includes an incoming material conveyor assembly, a printer assembly for marking lumber, a material infeed assembly for reorientation, a cutting assembly, and an outfeed assembly for orienting lumber, enabling the automatic handling and cutting of lumber boards of different dimensions and orientations without the need for frequent adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lumber saws are configured to handle and cut lumber boards of different sizes, shapes, and dimensions, then the versatility and adaptability of the equipment is improved, but the device complexity and the need for frequent adjustments increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different lumber characteristicsVSAvoidadjustment and reconfiguration requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamically adjustable components including variable speed motors that can be independently controlled for different conveyor sections, adjustable conveyor speeds via VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), and movable positioning systems that adapt to different lumber sizes and orientations. This allows the system to handle diverse lumber characteristics without requiring complete reconfiguration, as the dynamic adjustments can be made quickly through electronic controls and motorized positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment and reconfiguration is performed between processing different lumber characteristics, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidadjustment time between different lumber types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with automated electronic control systems. Variable frequency drives electronically control motor speeds, sensors detect lumber characteristics and automatically adjust conveyor parameters, and programmable logic controllers coordinate the entire system. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust mechanical components, significantly reducing the time required to switch between different lumber types while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent adjustments and reconfigurations are made to handle varying lumber characteristics, then the versatility is improved, but the operator safety and operational costs worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling capability for varying lumberVSAvoidoperator safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-adjusting and self-regulating systems where sensors automatically detect lumber characteristics and trigger appropriate adjustments without operator intervention. The system monitors its own operation, automatically adjusts conveyor speeds and positioning, and maintains optimal parameters for different lumber types. This eliminates the need for operators to physically approach and adjust equipment during lumber type changes, removing them from hazardous zones and significantly improving safety while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11491681B2Lumber handling and cutting apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.11.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US11491681B2 patent drawing
  • US11491681B2 patent drawing
  • US11491681B2 patent drawing

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.