Convertible Roll Arrangement for Small Work Roll Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling mill stands for cold rolling high-strength and thin metal strips are technically complex, require high maintenance, and are costly to convert between different configurations, especially when handling small work rolls that need manual insertion and removal without bearings.
Innovation Solution
A roll device design that allows for easy conversion by replacing larger work rolls with smaller diameter rolls supported by additional rolls, with adjustable bearings for precise positioning and hydrostatic support to maintain stability and facilitate quick configuration changes, enabling high thickness reduction and expanding product range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If small work rolls without bearings are manually inserted into the rolling mill stand, then the structure is simpler, but the operation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces work roll bearings as an intermediary component between the work roll and the rolling mill stand. These bearings facilitate the insertion and removal of work rolls by providing a standardized interface and reducing friction, thereby solving the operational difficulty while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The work roll bearings enable dynamic insertion and removal of work rolls during operation. The bearing design allows for easy mounting and dismounting, transforming the static, difficult manual insertion process into a dynamic, easily reversible operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional devices are used for vertical and lateral fixing and guiding of work rolls, then the work rolls are stabilized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of vertical and lateral fixing and guiding into the work roll bearings themselves. The bearings provide both vertical support and lateral positioning in a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate fixing and guiding devices while maintaining work roll stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The work roll bearings are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide vertical support, lateral guiding, and positional stability. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while achieving the same stabilization effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conversion from 4-roll to multi-roll configuration is performed, then the rolling capability is improved, but the conversion cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rolling mill into modular units with standardized work roll bearings that can be easily configured for different roll arrangements. This modularity allows cost-effective conversion between 4-roll and multi-roll configurations by simply reconfiguring the modular components rather than undertaking expensive structural modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If work rolls are replaced frequently for different product requirements, then the product range is expanded, but the time for roll changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work roll bearings are designed to enable rapid dynamic replacement of work rolls. The bearing structure allows for quick mounting and dismounting operations, significantly reducing the time required for roll changes while maintaining the ability to handle various product requirements through different roll configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A roll device for rolling metal strips comprises a first and a second work roll which define a roll gap therebetween, and a first and a second backup roll. In a common rolling mill stand, at least one work roll is mounted in work roll chocks and the backup rolls are mounted in backup roll chocks. The work roll chocks are designed such that the first and/or the second work roll can each be replaced by a roll arrangement having a work roll with a smaller diameter and at least one additional roll. The work roll with the smaller diameter is supported via the additional roll. The additional roll is mounted in additional roll chocks and the work roll with the smaller diameter is situated in work roll bearings of the additional roll chocks.