Wood Piece Sorter with Adjustable Bearers and Diameter Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling raw timber in large batches is challenging due to varying diameters, lengths, and curvatures of logs, as existing sorting equipment is either large and slow or complex, and unsuitable for feeding logs to a log splitter.
Innovation Solution
A sorter that measures the diameter of wood pieces during sorting, allowing for reliable and efficient sorting and guiding them to the most suitable machine for further handling, such as a wood splitter, with adjustable bearers and contact-free measuring means to ensure accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional step feeders are used for sorting raw timber, then sorting capability is provided, but the equipment becomes large, slow and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into multiple sorting decks (first sorting deck, second sorting deck) that can independently handle different sorting tasks. Each deck has its own bearers and control means, allowing the system to process different wood pieces simultaneously through parallel operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The same basic structure (bearers, control means, sorting deck) serves multiple functions by being reused across different sorting levels. The bearers can lift and position wood pieces on different decks, and the control means can adapt to sort various types of wood pieces, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each sorting task
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional step feeders are used for sorting raw timber, then sorting capability is provided, but the sorting speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The bearers operate in periodic cycles, lifting wood pieces from the receiving deck to sorting decks, depositing them, and returning to receive more pieces. Multiple bearers work in coordinated cycles, with some bearing lifting while others are returning or depositing, enabling continuous high-speed sorting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous sorting action through multiple bearers operating in different phases of the lifting-depositing-return cycle. While one bearer is lifting a wood piece, another may be depositing, and a third returning, ensuring that the sorting process never stops and productivity is maximized
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of raw timber is used, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but staff resources are increased and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control means automatically detects the dimensions of wood pieces and independently controls the bearers to lift, position, and deposit them on appropriate sorting decks. The system serves itself by making autonomous sorting decisions without human intervention, maintaining flexibility while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling by staff is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect wood piece dimensions and electronically controls the bearers. This substitution of manual operation with automated control maintains flexibility in handling various wood sizes while eliminating the need for multiple staff members
4Device complexity
If wood pieces are sorted without diameter measurement, then sorting process is simplified, but sorting reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring means detects the dimensions of wood pieces before they are lifted by the bearers. This preliminary measurement allows the control means to pre-determine the appropriate sorting deck and bearer assignment, ensuring reliable sorting decisions are made in advance rather than during the lifting process
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring means provides feedback information about wood piece dimensions to the control means, which uses this information to adjust bearer positioning and select appropriate sorting decks. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that sorting decisions are based on accurate real-time measurements, significantly improving sorting reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method of a sorter and a method for sorting wood pieces and for guiding them to a conveyor. This type of sorter comprises a lower frame, a receiving deck for wood pieces, and a feeder for detaching a wood piece from the receiving deck. Said feeder comprises a controller for supporting the wood piece during movement directed to it and transferring it substantially vertically from the receiving deck. In that case the control means is traversed by at least two bearers controlled by an actuator for producing the vertical movement of the wood piece. The bearers are arranged to project from an outer surface of the controller by an amount of projection that is adjustable during lifting. The feeder further comprises a measuring unit for detecting a wood piece of a given diameter (e.g., the largest or larger cross-sectional diameter) on the bearers and for controlling the projection of the bearers to a position corresponding to this given diameter.