Cam-Driven Upper Frame Mechanism for Straightening Rollers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for straightening and feeding semi-rigid materials, such as metal sheets, require bulky, complex, and costly mechanisms for pinching and unpinching functions, which are energy-intensive and limited in speed, making them unsuitable for existing machines and requiring individual adjustment of straightening rollers.
Innovation Solution
A compact, economical, and low-inertia mechanism using a translational movement of upper frames with integrated cam-driven lifting modules, allowing precise adjustment and energy-free pinching/unpinching, integrated with the existing vertical translation adjustment means for straightening rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic or electromechanical actuators are used for pinching-unpinching function, then the pinching force is sufficient, but the mechanism becomes bulky, complex, and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pinching-unpinching function with the existing vertical translation adjustment means for straightening rollers into a single integrated mechanism. The upper frame that carries straightening rollers is simultaneously used as the pinching element, eliminating the need for separate bulky actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sufficient pinching force.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper frame and its vertical translation mechanism serve dual purposes: adjusting the position of straightening rollers and performing the pinching-unpinching operation. This multi-functionality eliminates dedicated pinching mechanisms, reducing device complexity and energy consumption while providing adequate pinching force through the same structural elements.
2Force
If hydraulic or electromechanical actuators are used for pinching-unpinching function, then the pinching force is sufficient, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pinching function with the vertical translation adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate energy-consuming actuators. The pinching force is generated by the mechanical advantage of the existing translation mechanism rather than dedicated hydraulic or electromechanical actuators, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient pinching force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing vertical translation mechanism to perform the pinching operation without requiring external energy sources. The mechanism serves itself by utilizing the same structural elements and motion paths for both roller positioning and material pinching, eliminating continuous energy consumption associated with dedicated actuators.
3Force
If hydraulic or electromechanical actuators are used for pinching-unpinching function, then the pinching force is sufficient, but the operation speed is limited due to high inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pinching function into the existing vertical translation mechanism, which has lower inertia compared to dedicated hydraulic or electromechanical actuators. This allows the pinching-unpinching operation to respond more quickly to control signals, increasing operation speed while the mechanical structure maintains sufficient pinching force through leverage and structural design.
4Reliability
If separate modules for straightener and feeder are used, then each function can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the straightening and feeding functions into a single integrated device where the upper frame carrying straightening rollers also performs the pinching operation. This integration reduces the number of separate modules and interfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining functional optimization through shared mechanical structures and coordinated control.
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
Enables high-speed operation with low inertia, no energy required for pinched position maintenance, and allows precise adjustment of straightening rollers, suitable for existing machines, improving the efficiency and adaptability of straightening and feeding processes.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting mechanism (71, 72) arranged to move the lifting module (70), and simultaneously the upper frame (4) and the set of upper straightening rollers (40), in vertical translation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has an opening and closing unit opening and closing an upper frame (4) and a lower frame (3) and integrated with an adjusting unit (6). The adjusting unit adjusts position of upper straightening rolls (40), and moves the upper frame relative to the lower frame in a translation movement perpendicular to the frames. The adjusting unit comprises guiding elements (60) for guiding the upper straightening rolls in vertical translation. An actuator (72) e.g. servomotor, is coupled to a fixed rotation axle (A) of a cam (71).