Lumber Upgrade via Pre-Planing Knot and Warp Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for optimizing lumber do not effectively utilize pre-planing examinations of boards for warp stability and knot properties, leading to inefficient allocation and grading of lumber.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves debarking and cutting logs into boards, scanning them for warp stability and knot properties, and selecting a lumber upgrade process based on these properties before planing, allowing for more efficient sorting and upgrading of boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If boards are examined after planing, then the process is simpler, but lumber quality optimization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by examining boards for warp stability and knot properties before the planing process. This allows the lumber upgrade process to be optimized based on pre-identified characteristics, enabling better allocation and grading decisions to be made in advance rather than after planing.
2Productivity
If boards are sorted by multiple properties, then lumber allocation improves, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the examination process into distinct property assessments: warp stability evaluation and knot property identification. Each property is examined and sorted separately, allowing for systematic optimization of lumber allocation based on multiple characteristics without overwhelming process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the disclosure includes method for optimizing lumber derived from a log. The method may include the steps of debarking the log and cutting the log to provide a plurality of boards. The plurality of boards are then scanned to determine knot properties and/or warp stability for each of the plurality of boards and a lumber upgrade process is selected based on the knot properties and/or warp stability. Finally, one or more of the plurality of boards are planed after being subjected to the lumber upgrade process.