Magnetic Conveyor Veneer Stacking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing veneer sheet stacking technologies, such as suction belt and mechanical stackers, face issues with high energy consumption, environmental hazards, noise, poor stacking accuracy, and difficulties with thin veneer handling due to air entrapment and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic conveyor system with opposing conveyor elements, including an overhead conveyor with a magnetizable surface and a lower magnetic conveyor with permanent or electromagnets, ensures precise alignment and stopping of veneer sheets, allowing for quick and accurate stacking by using magnetic forces to press and release the sheets onto a stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a suction belt stacker is used, then veneer sheets can be stacked automatically, but electric power consumption increases and environmental hazards occur due to air swirling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction belt system with a mechanical stacking system using two belts that physically carry and transfer veneer sheets. This substitution eliminates the need for electric motor-driven fans, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing air swirling environmental hazards while maintaining automated stacking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the suction mechanism (fans and air flow system) from the stacking apparatus, retaining only the essential mechanical belt transport and stacking functions. This extraction eliminates the harmful air swirling effect and reduces energy consumption while preserving the core automated stacking functionality
2Productivity
If a suction belt stacker is used, then stacking can be performed, but noise problems are caused by the fans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy suction system with a quiet mechanical belt-based transport and stacking system. The two belts mechanically convey and transfer veneer sheets without requiring high-speed rotating fans, thereby eliminating the noise problem while maintaining productive stacking capability
3Productivity
If a suction belt stacker is used, then stacking can be performed, but stacking accuracy is poor due to veneer movement during stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the suction-based positioning system with a mechanical belt positioning system that uses friction and physical contact to control veneer movement. The two belts provide stable, controlled transport and precise positioning at the stacking point, eliminating the accuracy problems caused by suction variations and veneer weight differences
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and positioning of the veneer sheet on the belts before reaching the stacking point. This preliminary action ensures the veneer is properly positioned and stable before the stacking operation begins, preventing movement during the stacking process and improving overall accuracy
4Productivity
If a suction belt stacker is used, then stacking can be performed, but thin veneer may break when released from suction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction release mechanism with a gentle mechanical transfer system. The two belts physically convey the veneer and transfer it to the stack through controlled contact, avoiding the sudden release from strong suction that causes thin veneer to break. This mechanical approach maintains veneer integrity throughout the stacking operation
5Stability of the object's composition
If the stack top surface is placed far from the suction belt, then veneer sheets do not rise back, but stacking accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the suction-based holding system with a mechanical belt contact system. The two belts provide continuous physical support and control over the veneer sheet position, allowing the stack to be placed closer to the stacking point without risking veneer instability. The mechanical contact ensures both stability and precision simultaneously
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 magnetic conveyor system enables efficient, accurate, and rapid stacking with reduced energy consumption and environmental impact, minimizing air entrapment and misalignment issues, while allowing for closer stack placement without veneer sheets rising back.
Implementation Method 1
magnet elements arranged for cooperation with a conveyor element present on the opposite side, such that the veneer sheet to be fed in between the conveyor elements is pressed with a desired force between the conveyor elements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stacking veneer sheets is provided, said apparatus comprising conveyor means for delivering veneer sheets to a stacking point and means for placing veneer sheets on a stack to be formed. The conveyor means comprise a first and a second conveyor element disposed on opposite sides of a veneer sheet, said first and/or second conveyor element being provided with magnet elements arranged for cooperation with a conveyor element present on the opposite side, such that the veneer sheet to be fed in between the conveyor elements is pressed with a desired force between the conveyor elements and is movable thereby to a stacking point, which is provided with stopper means for stopping the veneer sheet and with means for releasing the veneer sheet from between the conveyor elements to enable its placement on a stack to be formed.