Sliding Extendable Roller Conveyor for Veneer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional veneer assembly devices require complex configurations and significant space to automatically align and pile veneers, which is labor-intensive and inefficient due to the need for additional conveyors.
Innovation Solution
A veneer assembly device with a sliding extendable roller conveyor and guiding rollers that retract and extend to align veneers automatically, using a movable conveyor with inclined rollers and stopper members to guide and position veneers for precise alignment and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple conveyors (direction changing conveyor and entry/exit conveyor) are added to automatically align veneers, then automatic alignment capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple conveyors into a single conveyor system. The single conveyor integrates the discharging function, direction changing function, and entry/exit functions that were previously performed by separate conveyors. This consolidation achieves automatic alignment capability while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveyor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it discharges veneers, changes their direction, and provides entry/exit points for stacking. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate conveyors for each function, thereby simplifying the overall device configuration while maintaining automatic alignment capability.
2Extent of automation
If multiple conveyors are added to automatically align veneers, then automatic alignment capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the direction changing conveyor and entry/exit conveyor functions into the single conveyor system, the patent significantly reduces the space required for the device. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate spatial zones for each function, compacting the overall footprint while maintaining automatic alignment capability.
3Device complexity
If visual alignment by labor-intensive method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single conveyor system with its integrated design automatically performs alignment functions without requiring manual visual inspection and adjustment. The conveyor's structure and motion control enable it to self-align veneers through its inherent mechanical design, eliminating labor-intensive methods while maintaining configuration simplicity and improving productivity.
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
Enables automatic alignment and stacking of veneers with reduced device complexity and space requirements, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs by using a single conveyor system for alignment and positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a leading end of the veneer is guided toward one lateral side as a reference surface
Implementation Method 2
a guiding roller disposed so as to be inclined toward one lateral side at a predetermined angle with respect to a width direction
Implementation Method 3
driving roller of the fixed conveyor and the movable conveyor to rotate forward such that the veneer is continuously conveyed
Implementation Method 4
a leading-side edge of the veneer being brought into contact with a predetermined stopper member
Data Source
AI summary
A movable conveyor 42 of a post-gluing conveyor 33 (sliding extendable roller conveyor) is provided, in a front portion, with a non-driving roller 42d (guiding roller) disposed so as to be inclined toward a reference surface (ruler) 42e at a predetermined angle with respect to a width direction such that a leading end of a veneer is guided toward the reference surface (ruler) 42e (one lateral side) of a movable conveyor 42. When the veneer is detected by a veneer detecting sensor 45 (veneer detecting means), a post-gluing conveyor controller 47 (slide movement control means) retracts the movable conveyor 42 in an extended state, in a contracting direction in a state in which forward rotational driving of a driving roller 42a of the movable conveyor 42 is maintained.