Cam-Driven Can Bodymaker Ram Assembly for Low-Vibration Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing can bodymaker drive assemblies, which include a crank and swing arm, face issues such as vibration, overstroke, complex maintenance, and limited output due to their rigid and multi-element linkage structure, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A ram drive assembly with a cam system that eliminates the need for a crank and swing arm, using a motor-driven cam with cooperative cam surfaces to impart motion to the ram assembly, allowing for constant velocity and reduced stroke length, thereby improving efficiency and reducing maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crank and swing arm drive assembly is used, then the ram can be driven between retracted and extended positions, but vibration and overstroke occur due to the rigid multi-element linkage structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional crank-swing arm mechanical linkage system with a cam-driven system. The cam profile is specifically designed to control the follower's motion, eliminating the rigid multi-element linkage that causes vibration and overstroke. The cam mechanism provides direct control over the ram's reciprocating motion through a carefully engineered cam surface geometry that ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion parameters by using a cam profile with specific geometric characteristics. The cam profile is designed to provide constant velocity during the forming stroke and controlled deceleration phases, optimizing the speed and position parameters of the ram to eliminate vibration and overstroke while maintaining high productivity.
2Ease of operation
If a crank and swing arm drive assembly is used, then the ram can be driven reciprocatingly, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex swing arm and connecting rod elements from the drive assembly, retaining only the essential cam and follower components. This simplification reduces the number of moving parts, eliminates multiple joints and connections that require maintenance, and creates a more straightforward structure with fewer failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the crank, connecting rods, and swing arm into a single integrated cam component. The cam body incorporates all the motion control functions that were previously distributed across multiple separate elements, creating a unified drive mechanism that is both simpler in structure and easier to maintain.
3Productivity
If a crank and swing arm drive assembly is used, then the ram can be driven at high speed, but the output is limited due to the rigid linkage structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-driven system implements optimized periodic action through its cam profile design. The cam provides distinct phases of constant velocity motion for the forming stroke and controlled deceleration for the return stroke, allowing the ram to operate at higher speeds during the productive forming phase while maintaining control. This periodic motion pattern increases the number of cycles per minute compared to the traditional crank-swing arm system.
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 configuration enhances the production rate of can bodies by minimizing vibrations and overstroke, simplifying maintenance, and reducing the overall energy consumption and cost, while maintaining precise control over the forming process.
Implementation Method 1
a cam having a body with a number of cooperative cam surfaces structured to operatively engage the cam follower assembly of each forming assembly; and a motor having a rotating output shaft operatively coupled to said cam body and structured to rotate said cam body
Data Source
AI summary
A ram drive assembly for a can bodymaker includes a mounting assembly and a number of forming assemblies supported thereon, each including: a stationary assembly, having a die pack and a domer, and a moving assembly having a ram assembly and a cam follower assembly. The die pack defines a passage having a proximal and a distal end, with the domer disposed adjacent the distal end. The ram assembly includes a ram body having a proximal and a distal end, with the cam follower assembly coupled to the proximal end. The ram body is structured to reciprocate through the passage between a retracted and an extended position. The ram drive assembly includes: a cam having a body with a number of surfaces for engaging each cam follower assembly; and a motor having a rotating output shaft operatively coupled to the cam body for rotating the cam body.