Retract-to-Load Log Step Feeder with Preliminary Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional step log feeders require higher starting power and longer cycle times when restarting after pausing to allow a log to be cleared, as they need to lift logs from a resting position to operating speed, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a stationary support with inclined surfaces and a reciprocating member with fingers that extend to support and retract logs, allowing for efficient singulation and reduced power requirements by positioning the log's center of gravity towards the rear, enabling smoother restarts and faster feed cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the step feeder is stopped part way through the lifting portion to prevent log discharge, then log discharge control is improved, but starting power requirement increases and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers are designed to support the log at the topmost position before discharge, and the stationary support includes a discharge surface positioned to receive the log as the reciprocating support moves downward. This preliminary positioning arrangement allows the operator to pause the feeder without requiring the log to be lifted from a resting position, thereby reducing starting power requirements while maintaining reliable log discharge control.
2Reliability
If the step feeder is stopped part way through the lifting portion to prevent log discharge, then log discharge control is improved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary support includes a discharge surface positioned to receive the log as the reciprocating support moves downward from the topmost position. This preliminary arrangement of the discharge surface allows logs to be efficiently discharged during the downward motion phase, enabling faster cycle times while maintaining reliable log discharge control during paused operations.
3Reliability
If the log is positioned part way up the incline plate surface, then log discharge control is improved, but power requirement to restart increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers extend from the top step to support the log at the topmost position, and the stationary support includes a discharge surface positioned to receive the log during downward motion. This preliminary positioning arrangement allows the log to be held in an optimal position for discharge control without requiring excessive lifting power during restart, as the log is already positioned near the discharge point.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for singulating logs comprises a stationary support at least one inclined stationary surface and a top edge and a first reciprocating support having a top step positioned against the inclined stationary surface. The first reciprocating support is movable between a bottommost position wherein the top step is positioned below the top edge of the stationary support and a topmost position wherein the top step is positioned above the top edge of the stationary support. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of fingers extending from the top step wherein each of the fingers has a length adapted to regain a log on the top step at a topmost position of the first reciprocating support and to retract into the stationary support at the bottommost position of the first reciprocating support.