Sawmill Laser Scanner Enclosure with Adjustable Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser systems in sawmills face challenges in maintaining accuracy and avoiding physical damage due to harsh environments, with existing protection methods being inconvenient and ineffective in keeping lasers free from debris and dust.

Innovation Solution

A modular enclosure assembly for laser scanners in sawmills, featuring adjustable mounting, a removable door for access, and integrated air flow to prevent debris entry, ensuring accurate measurements and protection from physical damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the laser is mounted in a fixed enclosure for protection, then the laser is protected from physical damage and debris, but it becomes difficult and inconvenient to aim and calibrate the laser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from physical damage and debrisVSAvoidconvenience of aiming and calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure incorporates adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the laser to be dynamically repositioned and reaimed within the enclosure structure. This enables the laser to be protected while still allowing operators to adjust its orientation and position for proper aiming and calibration without removing it from the protective enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the laser is mounted to enable required dimensional measurements, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but it becomes difficult to protect the laser from debris and dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional measurement accuracyVSAvoidexposure to debris and dust

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The laser is nested within a protective enclosure that is itself mounted on the measurement system. This nested structure allows the laser to maintain its precise positioning for dimensional measurements while being contained within a protective housing that shields it from debris and dust in the harsh sawmill environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective enclosure is used for the laser, then the laser is protected from debris, but access to the interior for maintenance and calibration becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from debris and dustVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance and calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is segmented into removable sections or panels that can be easily opened and closed. This segmentation allows operators to access the laser interior for maintenance, calibration, and positioning adjustments without dismantling the entire enclosure structure, while maintaining protection when the segments are closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7993019B2Enclosure for a laser scanner for use in a sawmill

Publication Date: 2011.08.09 EB ASSOCS

AI summary

The laser enclosure includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein. The enclosure with the laser assembly is used in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes an assembly for moving the mounted enclosure body to obtain and maintain a desired orientation and aiming for the laser scanner relative to a companion laser scanner. A movable front plate/door comprises one part of the enclosure body, mounted and arranged to be movable to an open position, permitting access to the interior of the enclosure body. The movable door also includes openings for the laser scanner components.