Sawline Log-End Positioning Using Camera Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliable operation of photo cells in sawmills is hindered by debris such as chips and sawdust, leading to inaccurate positioning of blades and rollers, resulting in quality defects and malfunctions, and the use of multiple photo cells complicates automation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus is employed to determine the overall length of the log and the portion outside the processing apparatus, allowing for precise location determination of the log end within the apparatus, enabling timely control of blades and rollers, reducing the need for multiple photo cells and enhancing system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photo cells are placed outside the processing apparatus to avoid debris interference, then the reliability of photo cell operation is improved, but the distance between photo cells and blades/rollers increases, making precise positioning more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical measurement system as an intermediary between the photo cells and the log end positioning. This system uses optical markers and cameras to detect log position, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between the externally placed photo cells and the internal processing components, thereby maintaining both reliability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical/optical detection system with an electronic measurement and control system. Instead of relying on photo cells to directly detect log end position, the system uses optical markers, cameras, and electronic signal processing to determine position, substituting the fragile direct detection mechanism with a more robust electronic system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photo cells are placed before and after the processing apparatus to accurately determine log end location, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical measurement system multi-functional by using the same optical markers and camera infrastructure for multiple purposes: determining log end position, measuring log dimensions, and monitoring processing progress. This universal system replaces the need for multiple separate photo cell installations, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple measurement devices into a single integrated optical measurement system. Instead of using separate photo cells at various positions, the system combines optical markers, cameras, and electronic processing into one unified measurement apparatus that performs all positioning and dimensioning functions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple photo cells are used to monitor log position throughout the processing apparatus, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the overall system reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markers as simplified copies or representations of the log end position. Instead of using multiple complex photo cell assemblies, the system places simple optical markers on the log and uses cameras to detect their positions. These markers serve as copies that convey position information without the complexity and failure-proneness of multiple photo cell systems.
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 approach allows for accurate positioning of blades and rollers, improving processing reliability, simplifying automation, and reducing costs by minimizing the number of photo cells required, while also enabling additional uses such as security and maintenance monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The length of the part of the log outside the processing apparatus is determined with a camera apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for operating a sawline for logs, the sawline including a conveyor for conveying a log in the sawline, and a processing apparatus for processing the log, the log is fed into the sawline, the log is conveyed onwards in the longitudinal direction in the sawline, the overall length of the log is determined, and the log is guided into the processing apparatus, with which the log is processed at the same time, when the log is conveyed onwards in the sawline. The length of the part of the log that is outside the processing apparatus is determined with a camera apparatus, and the location of the end of the log in the processing apparatus is determined on the basis of the overall length of the log and on the basis of the length of the part of the log that is outside the processing apparatus.