Surface Texturing Apparatus Arcuate Path Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern lumber production methods lack the distinctive, rustic appearance of traditional circular saw milled wood, making it difficult to replicate the aesthetic appeal of sequential arcuate cut marks, and existing simulation methods fail to create aesthetically acceptable substitutes due to inefficiency and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A surface texturing apparatus with at least two independent actuators and a cutting tool mounted to an actuated tool holder, which draws the cutting tool across a substrate in an arcuate path to replicate circular saw milling marks, modulating the distance and depth to mimic the irregularity of traditional circular saw milled textures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional circular saw milling methods are used, then the rustic appearance and distinctive patterns are achieved, but the production process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface texture patternVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a cutting tool guided along a predetermined arcuate path to copy the circular saw milling pattern onto the substrate. The apparatus replicates the distinctive arcuate cut marks and irregular depth patterns of traditional circular saw milling without using actual circular saw blades, thereby achieving the rustic appearance while improving production efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs at least two independent actuators that dynamically adjust the cutting tool's position and depth during the texturing process. This dynamic control allows the system to replicate the irregular depth and varying characteristics of traditional circular saw marks, maintaining aesthetic authenticity while enabling automated, efficient production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If modern milling machines are used, then production efficiency is improved, but the distinctive circular saw patterns are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsurface texture pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus copies the visual and tactile characteristics of circular saw milling patterns using a controlled cutting tool following an arcuate path. This allows modern automated machinery to produce surfaces that indistinguishably replicate traditional patterns, satisfying both aesthetic requirements and production efficiency demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If existing simulation methods are used, then production cost is reduced, but the patterns formed are too regular and aesthetically unacceptable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidpattern irregularity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses independently controllable actuators that dynamically vary the cutting tool's depth, speed, and position during operation. This dynamic adjustment creates irregular, non-repetitive patterns that mimic the natural variation in traditional circular saw milling, preventing the overly regular appearance that plagues static simulation methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple process parameters during operation, including cutting depth, tool speed, and path positioning, to replicate the variability inherent in traditional circular saw milling. These parameter variations ensure that each pass of the cutting tool produces slightly different marks, creating an aesthetically acceptable irregular pattern

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11305445B1Surface texturing apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 PEACHEY JOHN
  • US11305445B1 patent drawing
  • US11305445B1 patent drawing
  • US11305445B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A surface texturing apparatus is disclosed comprising an actuated tool holder, at least two independent actuators, a cutting tool, and a guide for positioning an article in relation to the apparatus. A method of replicating a circular saw milled texture in the surface of the article is further disclosed. A first actuator draws the cutting tool across the surface of the article along an arcuate path having a predetermined effective radius, carving a groove into the surface of the article which replicates a circular saw milling mark of a circular saw blade having the predetermined effective radius. A second actuator modulates distance between or overlap of the cutting tool and the surface. As the article is advanced along the surface texturing apparatus, a plurality of replicated circular saw milling marks are carved into the surface of the article, replicating the circular saw milled texture.