Timber Stacking Lath Deposition Gripper Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stacking timber with laths between layers are inefficient due to interruptions in the deposition process, where lath deposition requires the layer-deposition means to wait for the lath-deposition means to move away and return, limiting the speed and capacity of timber stacking, especially with slender timber prone to tipping or disorganization.

Innovation Solution

A lath-deposition method where the lath is gripped at its rear end and brought into interaction with the upper surface of the timber layer during deposition, allowing the layer-deposition means to continue moving sooner, eliminating the need for separate holders and reducing the risk of timber tipping, by using a lath-input means with a gripper that can grip and hold the lath during its deposition motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a separate holder is used to press down the uppermost layer of timber during transfer arm withdrawal, then timber stability is improved, but deposition speed is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetimber stabilityVSAvoiddeposition speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the holder function into the lath-deposition means itself. The lath-deposition means is designed to perform both lath deposition and timber stabilization functions, eliminating the need for a separate holder. This integration allows the same mechanism to stabilize timber while maintaining high deposition speed, as the stabilization action occurs during the lath placement process rather than requiring an additional separate operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lath-deposition means is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a lath placement device and as a timber stabilization mechanism. By making the lath-deposition means universal, the system achieves both timber stability and high deposition speed without requiring additional specialized components, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the lath-deposition means waits for the layer-deposition means to finish before depositing laths, then deposition sequence is controlled, but overall stacking capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition sequence controlVSAvoidstacking capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by having the lath-deposition means prepare and position laths in advance while the layer-deposition means is still in motion. The lath-deposition means can deposit laths during the return stroke or while the layer-deposition means is approaching the stacking base, rather than waiting for the layer-deposition means to complete its cycle. This overlapping of operations maintains reliable sequence control while significantly increasing stacking capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves continuous useful action by allowing the lath-deposition means to operate independently and continuously, depositing laths during the entire cycle of the layer-deposition means rather than waiting for interruptions. Both means can perform their functions simultaneously or in overlapping time periods, eliminating idle time and maximizing the overall stacking capacity while maintaining proper deposition sequence control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2780269B1Method and apparatus for stacking of timber and method for using a lath
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 RENHOLMEN
  • EP2780269B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2780269B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2780269B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for the formation of a stack of timber during the output feed of layers of timber (2) by placing laths (5) between different layers. According to the method, a combination of any of the following steps is carried out: (i) that a lath-deposition means (10), gripping the rear end of a lath (5) feeds the lath as the forward feed motion (6a) of the layer-deposition means (1 ) such that laths and layers of timber carry out transversely directed relative motion at different levels above a lift arrangement (3): ( ii) that the lath-deposition means (10) feeds the lath to interact with the upper surface of a layer of timber (2) and retains its interaction with the rear end of the lath (5), such that the layer-deposition means (1) carries out a return motion from a lift arrangement (3) while the lath-deposition means retains its grip on the lath.