Scarfing Machine Pressing Unit Reduces Veneer Friction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scarfing machines face challenges in achieving well-machined scarf faces due to frictional forces that can widen cracks or crevices in veneers, leading to defects and reduced productivity, especially when veneers have cracks or crevices.

Innovation Solution

A scarfing machine configuration that includes a holding-transporting unit, a machining unit, and a pressing unit, where the first edge of the veneer is transported and pressed in a way that reduces frictional forces acting opposite to the transport direction, using a first-edge transport unit and a pressing unit positioned to minimize the moment caused by these forces, allowing for effective machining while correcting deflections like twist and curve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a pressing unit is installed to press both edges of the veneer against the support surfaces, then good scarf faces can be achieved by straightening deflection, but frictional force acts in the direction opposite to transport direction which can widen cracks and crevices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescarf face qualityVSAvoidfrictional force widening cracks

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional pressing arrangement by positioning the pressing unit downstream of the contact portion rather than upstream. This reversal changes the direction of the pressing force relative to the transport direction, allowing the pressing unit to straighten deflection while minimizing the frictional force that widens cracks and crevices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by placing the pressing unit at a position that is both downstream in the transport direction and laterally offset from the support surface. This dimensional repositioning allows the pressing unit to exert force effectively while reducing the harmful frictional component along the transport path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the veneer is transported while machining scarf faces, then productivity is improved, but frictional force from pressing units can cause cracks and crevices to widen leading to unmachined portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous transport machiningVSAvoidscarf face completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the pressing unit position to downstream of the contact portion, the patent enables continuous transport machining while the pressing force acts in a direction that closes rather than widens cracks and crevices, ensuring complete machining without unmachined portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful frictional force into a beneficial effect by positioning the pressing unit downstream, so that the frictional force acts to close cracks and crevices rather than widen them, thereby improving both productivity and machining completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If pressing force is applied to straighten deflection, then good scarf faces are achieved, but the frictional force acts to widen cracks and crevices causing steps in the scarf face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescarf face smoothnessVSAvoidcrack width and steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the pressing unit position to downstream of the contact portion, which reverses the effect of frictional force on cracks and crevices. Instead of widening them as in conventional designs, the frictional force now acts to close them, eliminating steps in the scarf face while maintaining smoothness through deflection straightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 configuration enhances the quality of scarf faces by reducing defects and unmachined portions, improving productivity by allowing scarfing to be conducted while the veneer is transported, thus minimizing the risk of steps and widening of cracks or crevices.

Implementation Method 1

a frictional force acts, in the direction opposite to the transport direction, on the portions between both edges of the veneer and the pressing unit and between both edges of the veneer and the supporting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240326283A1Scarfing machine

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 MEINAN MASCH WORKS INC

AI summary

Supporting tables 8, 9 for supporting both edges 90a, 90b of a veneer 90 are arranged when both edges 90a, 90b are scarfed using circular saws 40a, 41a. Supporting tables 8, 9 include pressing units 56, 57 for pressing both edges 90a, 90b, circular saw contacting sections 54, 55 for receiving the circular saws 40a, 41a, and auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 for transporting both edges 90a, 90b in a transporting direction TD. Pressing units 56, 57 are configured to press both edges 90a, 90b against at least the auxiliary conveyors 60, 62. Auxiliary conveyors 60, 62 are arranged adjacent to the circular saw contacting sections 54, 55. Both edges 90a, 90b transported in the transporting direction TD are pressed by the pressing units 56, 57, reducing a friction acting on both edges 90a, 90b in the direction opposite to the transporting direction TD.