Sawmill Lumber Tracking via Laser Scanning Auditing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern sawmills lack an effective feedback system to determine if processing stations are realizing optimal value from lumber, with individual stations and the entire mill lacking global feedback on lumber production and potential errors in scanning and mechanical systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a sawmill auditing system with independent scan zones using point or planar laser scanners to scan lumber, coupled with an auditing computer that analyzes geometry and compares actual results with expected values to provide immediate feedback and track lumber from logs to final products, enabling corrective actions and optimization updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated processing stations are used to maximize productivity, then lumber production efficiency is improved, but the ability to detect and measure actual processing results deteriorates due to lack of feedback systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelumber production efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing result detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system using laser scanners at multiple scan zones throughout the sawmill to capture actual lumber geometry, which is then compared against expected values from computer optimizers to detect deviations and provide real-time feedback on processing station performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual inspection and measurement methods with automated laser scanning technology and computer-based analysis systems to detect and measure lumber geometry, enabling precise automated detection without mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If computer optimizers are used at each processing station to determine optimal lumber cuts, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the reliability of achieving expected value deteriorates due to lack of verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelumber cut precisionVSAvoidoptimization result reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system compares actual lumber geometry measured by laser scanners against the expected geometry determined by computer optimizers, providing feedback on whether the optimizers are achieving their predicted results and enabling verification of optimization reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an independent auditing computer system as an intermediary that objectively compares actual processing results with expected results from computer optimizers, serving as a neutral verification mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple independent scan zones with laser scanners are implemented to provide feedback, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelumber geometry measurement precisionVSAvoidauditing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sawmill into multiple discrete scan zones, each with its own laser scanner, allowing independent measurement at different locations while maintaining modular system architecture that simplifies overall management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs laser scanners that can measure multiple geometric parameters (length, width, thickness, curvature) simultaneously, and a central auditing computer that handles data from all scan zones, creating a multi-functional system that reduces overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system provides fast feedback for troubleshooting and optimizing processing stations, ensuring the sawmill realizes optimal value from each log by identifying and addressing mechanical and optimization system issues, and correlating lumber with its source logs for global performance monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The auditing system includes a number of independent scan zones throughout the sawmill. Each scan zone includes point or planar laser scanners to scan passing pieces of lumber.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

Each scan zone includes point or planar laser scanners to scan passing pieces of lumber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8346631B2Systems and methods for tracking lumber in a sawmill

Publication Date: 2013.01.01 WEYERHAEUSER NR CO

AI summary

At least one geometric characteristic for each of a number of pieces of lumber is determined. Each of the pieces of lumber may then be logically associated with at least one of a log or a cant from which the piece of lumber was sawn. The geometric characteristic may be captured by one or more scanners, for example one or more laser scanners. The geometric characteristic may, for example be a measurement of thicknesses, widths and/or wane dimensions.