Continuous Proof Loading of Wooden Boards Using Dual Feed Means

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for proof loading wooden boards are inefficient, requiring boards to be tested individually, which slows down the process and reduces productivity in sawmills and timber industries, and do not allow for precise continuous evaluation of modulus of elasticity.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that enables simultaneous proof loading of wooden boards along a feed path using dual feed means to apply a longitudinal tractive force without stopping the board feed, allowing for continuous and precise calculation of modulus of elasticity by detecting elongation and processing the data in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If boards are fed one at a time to the test station for tensile testing, then the tensile test can be performed on each board, but the overall processing speed decreases and plant productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile test accuracyVSAvoidplant productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The board feed system is divided into multiple segments with separate feed means (first feed means and second feed means) that can independently feed different portions of the same board or different boards simultaneously through the test station, enabling parallel processing and maintaining high productivity while ensuring accurate tensile testing of each segment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous board feed through the test station by using multiple feed means that operate simultaneously, ensuring that the useful action of tensile testing continues without interruption while processing multiple boards or segments, thereby maintaining both testing reliability and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If dual feed means are used to simultaneously act on two different portions of the same board, then processing speed increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second feed means are designed with universal functionality, each capable of independently feeding boards or portions of boards through the test station. This multi-functionality allows the same feed mechanism design to be reused in different positions and configurations, increasing processing speed while controlling device complexity through design standardization

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

3Ease of operation

If the main axis of extension of boards is arranged perpendicular to the direction of feed, then boards can be gripped at opposite ends, but the feed path length increases and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping easeVSAvoidfeed speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from the conventional arrangement where board axes are perpendicular to feed direction to an arrangement where board axes are parallel to feed direction. This dimensional change allows boards to be fed through the test station in their natural orientation, reducing feed path length and increasing speed while gripping is achieved by applying tractive force along the board length rather than at opposite ends

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 significantly increases production speed and precision in evaluating the modulus of elasticity, enabling continuous testing without stopping the board feed, thus enhancing plant productivity and allowing for the identification of unsuitable board segments.

Implementation Method 1

first and second feed means (3, 4) arranged relative to each other in such a way that they can simultaneously act on two different portions of the same wooden board (2) which is being fed along the feed path; deformation means (9) for causing the board (2) to elongate along its main direction of extension; the deformation means (9) can apply a longitudinal tractive force on the board (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTraction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

detector means (10) for detecting a speed of the board (2) at the feed means (3, 4) designed to apply the tractive force; the processing and control means (11) define the elongation of the board (2) on the basis of the speeds of the board (2) detected at the feed means (3, 4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeed detection:

Implementation Method 3

the processing and control means (11) define the modulus of elasticity of the board (2) as the ratio of the force applied to the board (2) to the elongation produced; The modulus of elasticity, normally labelled E, consists of the ratio of the value of a tensile force applied to a material to the elastic deformation induced by said force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2335043B1Device and method for proof loading wooden boards in traction
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 MICROTEC SRL
  • EP2335043B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1b
  • EP2335043B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2b
  • EP2335043B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A device for proof loading wooden boards comprises means (9) for deforming the boards (2) which are designed to cause the boards (2) to elongate along their main direction of extension, said means comprising first and second feed means (3), (4) positioned at a first and a second segment (5), (6) of a feed path along which the boards (2) are fed parallel with their main direction of extension, and being able to apply a longitudinal tractive force on the boards (2) using the first and the second feed means (3), (4). A method for proof loading wooden boards is also claimed, which can be implemented without interrupting board feed along its feed path.