Movable Veneer Dryer Off-Site Construction Track System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of replacing veneer dryers in the wood products industry is time-consuming and disruptive, leading to significant revenue loss due to prolonged downtime, as conventional dryers are constructed on-site and require the removal of the existing dryer before construction can begin, resulting in an operational gap of 18-20 weeks.
Innovation Solution
The development of movable veneer dryers that can be constructed off-site and transported to the installation location using a track system with movers and anchor assemblies, allowing for the existing dryer to remain operational during construction, reducing the replacement time to 3 weeks or less.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional veneer dryers are constructed on-site by removing the existing dryer before construction, then the new dryer can be built to replace the old one, but the facility experiences prolonged downtime of 18-20 weeks and significant revenue loss
Solution Approach 1:
The new veneer dryer is constructed off-site before the existing dryer is removed from the facility. This preliminary construction allows the replacement unit to be ready for immediate installation, eliminating the 18-20 week downtime and enabling continuous operation of the old dryer during the build process.
Solution Approach 2:
The veneer dryer is designed as a modular, pre-fabricated unit that can be manufactured separately from the installation site. This segmentation allows the dryer to be built in a controlled off-site environment and then transported to the facility, separating the construction process from the operational timeline.
2Device complexity
If the existing dryer is removed before construction begins, then the new dryer can be installed to replace it, but the facility operates without a functional dryer during the disassembly and construction phases
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement dryer is fully constructed and prepared off-site before removal of the existing unit. This ensures that the new dryer is ready for immediate installation and can begin operation without interrupting the facility's productivity during the removal and installation transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The facility maintains continuous drying capability by keeping the existing dryer operational while the new unit is being constructed off-site. The old dryer continues to process wood products throughout the replacement process, eliminating production gaps and maintaining facility output.
3Stability of the object's composition
If veneer dryers are constructed in place on concrete slabs, then they are stable and ready for operation, but they cannot be moved or relocated to different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The veneer dryer is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to be transported on a trailer from the construction site to the installation location. This dynamic design enables the dryer to be relocated if needed, providing flexibility in facility layout and positioning while maintaining operational stability once installed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a veneer dryer system and methods of constructing, relocating, and replacing veneer dryers and other constructs such as lumber kilns, machinery, and processing lines or parts thereof. Embodiments of a veneer dryer system may include a track and a veneer dryer movably coupled with the track. The track may extend between the desired location of the veneer dryer and a construction location. Movers may be coupled with the track at the construction location. The veneer dryer may be partially or fully constructed on the movers and moved to the desired location for use. A pre-existing veneer dryer at the desired location may remain operational during the construction and removed before the new veneer dryer is moved into place, substantially reducing downtime and costs as compared to prior methods of replacing veneer dryers.