Lumber Loading System with Simultaneous Positioning and Trimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lumber loading systems require substantial longitudinal space and increased production time due to sequential operations like longitudinal positioning and trimming, leading to potential precision losses during the transfer of lumber pieces.
Innovation Solution
A lumber loading system with a rotating driving shaft and independently movable lumber piece grasping assemblies that allow simultaneous longitudinal positioning and transfer of lumber pieces, incorporating guiding shafts, linear actuators, and supplemental supporting assemblies for precise positioning and trimming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sequential operations (longitudinal positioning then trimming) are performed on carrier assembly, then each operation can be completed individually, but substantial longitudinal space is required and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges longitudinal positioning and trimming operations into a single integrated process. The trimming blade is positioned to trim lumber at the desired longitudinal location while the lumber is being transferred by the grasping assembly, eliminating the need for separate sequential operations and reducing the longitudinal space required on the carrier assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs trimming in the transverse direction while the lumber is being moved longitudinally during transfer. This allows the trimming operation to occur perpendicular to the direction of lumber movement, enabling simultaneous positioning and trimming without requiring additional longitudinal space.
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential operations are performed, then each operation can be completed individually, but production time increases due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations (longitudinal positioning and trimming) into a single simultaneous operation. The grasping assembly positions the lumber longitudinally while the trimming blade trims it at the correct location, both occurring during the transfer process, thereby reducing production time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by performing trimming during the transfer process itself, rather than pausing for separate positioning and trimming steps. The driving shaft continues rotating and the grasping assembly continues transferring lumber while trimming occurs, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous production flow.
3Ease of operation
If lumber pieces are transferred between carrier assemblies, then individual processing is enabled, but precision is lost due to transfer movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary longitudinal positioning of the lumber piece during the transfer process itself, before the lumber is released onto the second carrier assembly. The grasping assembly positions the lumber at the exact desired longitudinal location while holding it, ensuring precision is maintained through transfer rather than lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transfer system that relies on cleats and lugs with a grasping assembly that actively controls and maintains the longitudinal position of the lumber during transfer. This active positioning system substitutes passive mechanical transfer, preserving precision throughout the transfer process.
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
This system minimizes production line space by performing longitudinal positioning and trimming during the transfer process, reducing production time and maintaining precision, allowing continuous rotation of the driving shaft for efficient lumber transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal positioning system includes a linear actuator connected to the carriage and operative to move the carriage along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
a driving shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis; at least one lumber piece grasping assembly operatively connected to the driving shaft and rotating about the longitudinal axis along with the driving shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A lumber loading system for transferring lumber pieces. The lumber loading system comprises a driving shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis; at least one lumber piece grasping assembly operatively connected to the driving shaft and rotating about the longitudinal axis; and a longitudinal positioning system connected to the at least one lumber piece grasping assembly. The at least one lumber piece grasping assembly is displaceable along the longitudinal axis and is operative to initially grasp a section of a corresponding lumber piece extending longitudinally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, temporarily maintain the section of the lumber piece and subsequently release the lumber piece. The longitudinal positioning system moves each one of the at least one lumber piece grasping assembly independently along the longitudinal axis, during rotation thereof about the longitudinal axis. A method for simultaneous loading and longitudinal displacement of successive lumber pieces is also provided.