Can Bodymaker Ram Assembly for Droop-Resistant Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing can bodymaker systems face issues with ram droop and fluid contamination due to the long length of the ram body, which leads to wear and tear, and inefficient fluid management, resulting in increased operational costs and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A can bodymaker system with a shorter ram body and an outboard guide bearing assembly, which eliminates the need for the ram body to extend through a bearing assembly, reducing ram droop and fluid contamination, and includes a tension assembly to further stabilize the ram body during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ram body is made longer to extend through the bearing assembly, then the alignment and support of the ram body is improved, but the ram droop and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is relocated from an inboard position (within the ram body path) to an outboard position (adjacent to the ram body). This spatial reconfiguration allows the bearing assembly to provide support without requiring the ram body to extend through it, thereby reducing the effective cantilever length and ram droop while maintaining alignment support.
Solution Approach 2:
A tension assembly is introduced as an intermediary element between the ram body and the die pack. This tension assembly applies a counteracting force to compensate for ram droop, allowing the ram body to be shorter while maintaining proper alignment and reducing wear on the die pack.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ram body is made shorter to reduce ram droop, then the wear and operational costs are reduced, but the alignment and support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the bearing assembly to an outboard position, the support function is achieved in a different spatial arrangement. This allows the ram body to be shorter without compromising alignment, as the bearing assembly remains positioned to provide necessary support alongside the ram body rather than requiring passage through it.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension assembly acts as a mediator to maintain alignment and support for the shortened ram body. It compensates for the reduced structural support by applying tension that counteracts droop, ensuring reliable alignment is maintained despite the shorter ram body length.
3Strength
If the ram body extends through the bearing assembly, then the structural support is provided, but the fluid contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is extracted from the ram body's path and repositioned to an outboard location. This separation eliminates the interface between the ram body and bearing assembly that caused fluid contamination, while the bearing assembly continues to provide necessary structural support from its new position adjacent to the ram body.
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
The solution significantly reduces ram droop and wear on the ram body and die pack, minimizes fluid contamination, and enhances operational efficiency by allowing for a more stable and precise alignment of the ram body, thereby improving the overall performance and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated, generally hollow ram body and a hydrostatic/hydrodynamic bearing assembly structured to support the ram body
Implementation Method 2
an elongated, generally hollow ram body and a hydrostatic/hydrodynamic bearing assembly structured to support the ram body
Implementation Method 3
heat is created by friction in both the ram assembly and the die pack. This heat is dissipated by a cooling fluid that passes through and over the surface of the components
Implementation Method 4
heat is created by friction in both the ram assembly and the die pack. This heat is dissipated by a cooling fluid that passes through and over the surface of the components
Implementation Method 5
The seal assembly includes a number of seals that conform to the cross-sectional shape of the ram body. As the ram body passes through the seal assembly, the cooling fluid is collected and recycled
Implementation Method 6
The seal assembly includes a number of seals that conform to the cross-sectional shape of the ram body. As the ram body passes through the seal assembly, the cooling fluid is collected and recycled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
A can bodymaker ram assembly (12) is provided. The ram assembly (12) includes an elongated, generally hollow ram body (50) and a tension assembly (140). The ram body (50) includes a proximal end (52), a medial portion (59), and a distal end (54). The tension assembly (140) includes an elongated support member (142). The tension assembly support member (142) includes a proximal end (150) and a distal end (152). The tension assembly support member (142) is substantially disposed within the ram body (50) with the tension assembly support member proximal end (150) coupled to the ram body proximal end (52), and the tension assembly support member distal end (152) coupled to one of the ram body medial portion (59) or the ram body distal end (54).