Bridge-Mounted Coiling Support for Faster Reel Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintenance of existing reeling mechanisms in hot strip mills is complex, requiring significant dismantling and assembly work, and is not conducted safely or efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of support devices, such as hooks, telescopic support rails, and cranes with trolleys, attached to the bridge and bridge abutments, facilitates the transportation of worn parts out and new parts into the reeling mechanism, along with a lifting device for attachment and positioning, creating clearance for quicker maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If traditional stationary reeling mechanisms are used, then structural stability is maintained, but maintenance complexity increases and downtime extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reeling mechanism is divided into modular components (reel mandrel, deflection plates, support devices) that can be independently accessed and maintained. The bridge structure segments the maintenance space, allowing workers to focus on specific components without dismantling the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support devices attached to the bridge serve as intermediary structures that facilitate the removal and installation of worn parts. These support devices act as temporary holding points that simplify the maintenance process by providing convenient access points for component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If extensive dismantling is performed for maintenance, then worn parts can be accessed, but maintenance time increases and safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparts accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support devices are pre-attached to the bridge structure during system installation, creating ready-made access points for future maintenance operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex dismantling procedures when maintenance is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Worn parts such as deflection plates and reel mandrels can be extracted from the system through the support devices without removing the entire reeling mechanism. This selective extraction approach minimizes maintenance time and reduces safety risks associated with extensive dismantling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If overhead cranes are used for part handling, then heavy components can be moved, but equipment complexity and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparts handling capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support devices attached to the bridge serve as intermediary handling points that eliminate the need for overhead cranes. Workers can manually or mechanically handle parts through these support points, reducing the safety hazards associated with heavy crane operations while maintaining effective parts handling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4638029B1Apparatus having a coiling device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP4638029B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4638029B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4638029B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) having a coiling device (110) for winding a strip. A bridge (120) extends over the coiling device (110). In order to simplify the stationary coiling device (110) within the apparatus (100), i.e. in particular below the bridge (120), and to make the stationary coiling device more safe for the maintenance personnel to perform, according to the present invention at least one carrying device (126, 128) is attached to the bridge and/or to a bridge head (121) so that parts of the coiling device (110) can thereby be easily and safely transported.