Framtagning av portabel mätutrustning för kontroll av brädtjocklek inom sågverksindustrin

Sammanfattning: USNR is a multinational company manufacturing saw equipment. Occasionally they need to visit their customers to calibrate, and control delivered equipment. By measuring the thickness of sawed boards and evaluating the data, the saw equipment can be calibrated properly. The measuring operator uses a vernier caliper to identify a board’s thickness along its length. It is not unusual that the measuring operator needs to bend, kneel, or lay down during this operation. Using a vernier caliper as a tool for thickness measuring requires skill and there is a risk for human errors. Measuring boards using this method results in non-ergonomic postures, wasted time and unreliable measuring data. The earlier mentioned problems suggest a customized measuring equipment suited for thickness measuring of boards. The purpose of this study is to simplify calibration and control of equipment in the lumber manufacturing industry. The goal is to design a measuring equipment which fulfil requirements and wishes. To accomplish this, a literature study about standardization, modularization and measuring methods was carried out. The process of designing the measuring equipment was completed by using methods for product development. Initially, aA problem clarification was done and through a current situation analysis, after which requirements and wishes were specified. Based on the literature study, a suitable measuring method was chosen for the measuring equipment. Three concepts were modeled in CAD, these were evaluated with the help of a decision matrix to select which concept to detail design. For the chosen concept, design solutions were created to meet the set requirements and wishes. The measuring equipment consists of a frame with laser sensors and four modules of retractable tables designed with standardized components. The frame is movable along the tables because of integrated roller guidance. The function of the measuring equipment is based on fixing a board on top of the tables upon which the frame is sliding and registering the thickness along the length of the board. The measuring equipment is mobile and transportable. The use of standardized components gathered from CAD-databases enabled a rapid design process and a modular measuring equipment. To ensure all requirements and wishes are met, a prototype needs to be developed. With a prototype, the measuring equipment’s accuracy and stability can be verified under real conditions.