Veneer Moisture Uniformity via Localized Re-wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Veneer products often have non-uniform moisture concentrations, leading to poor bonding between veneers or with a core substrate when moisture levels fall below a certain minimum, necessitating increased adhesive use and associated costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for estimating moisture concentrations on veneer surfaces, comparing them to a minimum level, and re-wetting areas below this level with an atomized liquid to achieve uniform and adequate moisture levels, enhancing bonding quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If veneers are dried to reduce moisture concentration, then moisture content is reduced to desired level, but moisture concentration becomes non-uniform across the veneer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different moisture treatments to different locations on the veneer surface based on measured moisture levels. Moisture is applied selectively to dry locations while saturated locations are left untreated, creating local quality variations that result in uniform overall moisture distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses moisture sensors to continuously monitor moisture concentration at multiple locations on the veneer surface and feeds this information back to the moisture application system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of moisture application to achieve uniform moisture distribution.
2Reliability
If increased amount of adhesive is applied to compensate for low moisture concentration, then bonding quality improves, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies moisture to the veneer surface before adhesive application to ensure adequate moisture concentration for proper bonding. This preliminary moisture treatment eliminates the need to use excess adhesive as a compensatory measure, reducing adhesive consumption while maintaining bonding quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If moisture concentration is reduced through drying, then veneer is ready for bonding, but locations below minimum moisture level cause poor bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies and treats only the specific locations on the veneer surface that have moisture concentration below the minimum level, while leaving already-saturated locations untreated. This selective local treatment ensures all locations achieve adequate moisture for bonding without over-treating areas that already have sufficient moisture.
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 solution ensures veneer products have consistent moisture concentrations above the minimum level, improving bonding and reducing adhesive usage, thereby enhancing production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The moisture estimation system can include a plurality of conductive contacts configured to contact the veneer surface
Implementation Method 2
contacting at least a portion of the locations that are below the minimum moisture concentration level with a liquid to increase the moisture concentration
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for adjusting a moisture concentration of veneer are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method for adjusting a moisture concentration of a veneer can include estimating a moisture concentration of a veneer surface at one or more locations thereon. The method can also include comparing the one or more estimated locations to a minimum moisture concentration level. The method can also include moisturizing at least a portion of the one or more estimated locations that are below the minimum moisture concentration level to increase the moisture concentration thereof.