Wood Composite Board Density Control via Adhesive Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing wood-based panels result in uniform bulk density across the entire panel, which is not optimal for varying load conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs, as they cannot effectively reduce density in areas not subject to high stress without compromising panel integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method where the amount of adhesive applied to wood particles is varied based on their expected position in the particle cake using electrical control, allowing for reduced adhesive use and tailored bulk density distribution without reducing the number of particles, achieved through controlled application via nozzles during scattering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is applied uniformly to all wood particles, then panel strength is maintained, but production costs increase and volatile emissions rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel strengthVSAvoidadhesive consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive non-uniformly to wood particles based on their expected position in the panel. Particles expected to end up in high-stress areas receive more adhesive, while particles for low-stress areas receive less adhesive. This local differentiation maintains panel strength where needed while reducing overall adhesive consumption and emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the adhesive application parameter (amount of adhesive) based on the expected position of each particle. The electrical control system adjusts adhesive dosage dynamically, varying the parameter from particle to particle rather than applying a constant amount, thereby optimizing both strength and material efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If density is reduced in low-stress areas, then material savings are achieved, but panel integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial savingsVSAvoidpanel integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local density variations by applying different amounts of adhesive to particles in different expected positions. Areas expected to experience low stress have reduced adhesive content and thus lower density, while high-stress areas maintain higher density. This local differentiation achieves material savings without compromising overall panel integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of substance

If adhesive amount is reduced overall, then production costs decrease, but panel strength may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive consumptionVSAvoidpanel strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the adhesive application parameter based on particle position expectations. Rather than uniformly reducing adhesive across all particles, the system selectively reduces adhesive only where structurally acceptable, maintaining strength in critical areas while achieving overall reduction in adhesive consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces production costs, minimizes volatile adhesive emissions, and allows for customized density and strength distribution within the panel, enhancing material efficiency and performance by applying different amounts of adhesive and additives strategically.

Implementation Method 1

an amount of adhesive applied to the wood particles is varied depending on their expected position in the particle cake by means of an electrical control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive application control:

Implementation Method 2

pressing the particle cake under increased pressure and temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal bonding:

Implementation Method 3

pressing the particle cake under increased pressure and temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3470191B1Method and device for manufacturing a wood composite board
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 SWISS KRONO TEC AG
  • EP3470191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470191B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a wood-based panel (2), wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) scattering a plurality of wood particles to form a particle cake, (b) applying adhesive to at least some of the wood particles during and/or prior to scattering, (c) pressing the particle cake under increased pressure and increased temperature, wherein the amount of adhesive applied to the wood particles varies depending on their expected position in the particle cake.