Clad Strip Production via Joint Plating of Dual Strip Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing clad strips or sheets with varying thicknesses across the longitudinal direction result in significant material loss and economic inefficiencies due to the use of filler strips that cannot be reused, and pose technological challenges in adhesion and separation, especially in cold-roll cladding processes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the joint plating of two strip or sheet arrangements with a rectangular cross-section, eliminating the need for filler strips, allowing for reduced material loss and improved process reliability through controlled adhesion and separation, using materials like steel, copper, and aluminum alloys for enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If filler strips are used to produce clad strips with varying thicknesses, then the stepped cross-sectional profile can be achieved, but material loss increases and economic efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestepped cross-sectional profileVSAvoidmaterial loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cladding process into two independent strip arrangements (first and second) that are joined together. Each arrangement contains carrier strips and support strips without requiring filler strips. This segmentation eliminates material loss associated with filler strip disposal while achieving the desired stepped cross-sectional profile through the combination of the two arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges two separate strip arrangements (first strip arrangement with carrier strip and support strip, second strip arrangement with carrier strip and support strip) to form a complete clad strip structure. This combining approach replaces the traditional single-arrangement method with filler strips, eliminating material waste while achieving varying thicknesses through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If filler strips are used for cold-roll cladding, then the cladding process can proceed, but adhesion reliability deteriorates due to frictional connection and potential injury to adhesive areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecold-roll cladding processVSAvoidadhesion reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the filler strip component from the cold-roll cladding process. By removing filler strips entirely and replacing them with a dual strip arrangement using only carrier strips and support strips, the invention eliminates the adhesion problems caused by filler strips, including frictional connections and potential injury to adhesive areas during peeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces support strips as intermediary elements between carrier strips in a dual-arrangement system. These support strips serve as proper adhesive surfaces that maintain reliable adhesion during cold-roll cladding, replacing the problematic filler strip function while ensuring proper bonding without frictional interference or adhesion area injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If filler strips are stripped directly after cold roll cladding, then removal can occur, but production time increases and material selection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiller strip removalVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the filler strip removal step entirely from the production process. By replacing filler strips with a dual strip arrangement of carrier strips and support strips, the invention removes the need for any stripping operation, thereby eliminating the time consumption and operational complexity associated with filler strip removal while expanding material selection freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If heat treatment is applied before removing filler strips, then adhesion strength improves, but material selection for filler strips is further limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the heat treatment step that was previously required to strengthen adhesion before filler strip removal. By replacing the filler strip system with a dual carrier strip and support strip arrangement, the invention achieves reliable adhesion through proper material pairing from the outset, eliminating the need for heat treatment and thereby maintaining full material selection flexibility without adhesion strength compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 method reduces production time and costs by eliminating the need for filler strips, enabling more flexible material selection and improved adhesion in cold-roll cladding, while ensuring dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties of the clad strips or sheets.

Implementation Method 1

This is where the present invention comes in and sets itself the task of proposing an improved plating process for producing at least one plated strip, in particular proposing a process that manages with less material loss.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCold roll cladding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

The at least two support strips between the carrier tapes are arranged. Like a conventional strip or sheet, this first intermediate product can be fed to a suitable plating process, for example rolling, in particular cold rolling.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2613896B1Method for producing at least one clad strip or sheet
Publication Date: 2016.03.02 WICKEDER WESTFALENSTAHL GMBH
  • EP2613896B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2613896B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8
  • EP2613896B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

Method for producing at least one clad strip or sheet, characterized by at least the following method steps: bringing together a first strip or sheet assembly (B1), comprising a supporting strip (1) and at least one supported strip (2), wherein the at least one supported strip (2) has a smaller width than the supporting strip (1); bringing together a second strip or sheet assembly (B2), comprising a supporting strip (3) and at least one supported strip (4), wherein the at least one supported strip (4) has a smaller width than the supporting strip (3); bringing together the first strip or sheet assembly (B1) and the second strip or sheet assembly (B2) to form a cross-sectionally rectangular or at least approximately cross-sectionally rectangular first intermediate product (Z1), such that the at least two supported strips (2, 4) are arranged between the supporting strips (1, 3); producing a second intermediate product (Z2) by cladding the first intermediate product (Z1) and creating a first clad strip or sheet (P1) from the first strip or sheet assembly (B1) and a second clad strip or sheet (P2) from the second strip or sheet assembly (B2); separating the second intermediate product (Z2) into a first clad strip or sheet (P1) and at least one second clad strip or sheet (P2).