Planer Clamp Assembly with Cam Levelers for Lumber Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current woodworking processes are limited by the need for multiple equipment steps, operator skill, and restricted board width due to jointer and planer size constraints, leading to inefficiencies and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A planer clamp assembly with side rails, clamps, levelers, and a threaded rod system that secures and levels rough sawn lumber for direct processing in a planer, reducing the need for jointing and allowing larger pieces to be milled with a single equipment setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple equipment steps (jointer, table saw, planer) are used to mill lumber, then the surface quality and precision of the finished lumber is improved, but the device complexity and time required for the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the jointing and planing functions into a single integrated device. The apparatus includes a jointer component with an adjustable fence and cutting mechanism, and a planer component with a bed and cutting mechanism, both mounted on the same base structure. This allows both edge jointing and surface planing to be performed in one continuous operation without transferring the workpiece between separate machines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary jointing action before planing within the same apparatus. The adjustable fence is positioned to guide the workpiece through the jointer component first, establishing a reference edge, and then the same workpiece is automatically fed through the planer component. This preliminary action sequence is built into the single device's workflow, eliminating the need for separate equipment while ensuring proper surface quality development.
2Device complexity
If the width of the jointer and planer is limited, then the device complexity and cost is reduced, but the ability to mill wider boards is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fence in the jointer component is made adjustable along the length of the base, allowing it to accommodate different board widths. The fence position can be dynamically changed to match the width of the workpiece being processed. This dynamic adjustability enables a single device with limited inherent width to handle a range of board sizes, improving versatility without requiring multiple fixed-width machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions on a single base structure. The same base supports both the jointer component with its adjustable fence and the planer component. This universal design allows the device to handle various board widths and perform both jointing and planing operations, effectively replacing multiple specialized machines with one multi-functional unit.
3Manufacturing precision
If operator skill and involvement are increased to achieve proper jointing and planing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-aligning features where the workpiece automatically positions itself during the jointing and planing operations. The adjustable fence and the sequential operation design allow the workpiece to be guided through both cutting mechanisms without requiring constant operator intervention or high skill levels. The apparatus essentially performs the precision work itself through its mechanical design, reducing the skill burden on the operator while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides visual feedback through alignment marks and reference surfaces that guide the operator in setting up and operating the machine. The adjustable fence includes measurement indicators, and the planer bed provides reference surfaces that show when the workpiece is properly positioned. This feedback mechanism allows operators of varying skill levels to achieve consistent precision results by following the visual cues provided by the apparatus.
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
Enables efficient milling of larger lumber pieces with reduced operator involvement and eliminates the need for jointing, improving surface quality and project efficiency by ensuring a flat, level surface datum directly in the planer.
Implementation Method 1
the leveler including a screw and a cam, the cam including a lobe and the cam being configured to raise and lower the screw in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the clamps when said cam is rotated
Implementation Method 2
A planer clamp assembly with side rails, clamps, levelers, and a threaded rod system that secures and levels rough sawn lumber
Data Source
AI summary
A planer clamp assembly includes a pair of side rails, a pair of clamps having at least one hole, at least one leveler, the leveler including a screw and a cam, the cam including a lobe and the cam being configured to raise and lower the screw in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the clamps when the cam is rotated about a generally parallel axis with respect to the clamps and at least one bar. The bar is configured to be secured between the pair of side rails. Each of the holes included in the pair of clamps are configured to slidably accept the bar thereby allowing the pair of clamps to slide freely about the bar between the pair of side rails.