Cross Cutting Seam Welding Machine Positioning Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting metal strip ends lack precision and control in positioning and force application, particularly for thin sheets, leading to suboptimal welding results.

Innovation Solution

A device with two carriers, each equipped with a fixing device, featuring a first actuator and a second actuator that form a drive system for precise positioning and force control, utilizing position and force sensors to ensure accurate alignment and force application between the carriers, allowing for precise positioning and controlled actuation of the carriers relative to each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional welding methods are used for thin sheets, then welding can be performed, but positioning precision and force control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate carriers (first carrier and second carrier), each independently equipped with fixing devices and actuators. This segmentation allows independent positioning and force application to each material end, achieving precise control without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carriers are designed to be displaceable relative to each other along guide rails, with actuators providing dynamic position and force control. This dynamic capability enables precise positioning adjustment while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If thin sheets are welded without precise force control, then welding can be performed, but welding quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidoperation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Force sensors are integrated into the carrier system to detect the actual contact force between material ends during positioning. This feedback is transmitted to a control unit that automatically adjusts actuator output to maintain the predetermined optimal force, ensuring consistent welding quality while simplifying operator control through automated force regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit dynamically adjusts actuator parameters (position, force, speed) based on sensor feedback and welding requirements. This parameter control capability ensures optimal force application for thin sheet welding, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If material ends are positioned without predetermined force control, then positioning can be achieved, but alignment precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical positioning is replaced with an automated actuator system controlled by a control unit that receives input from position and force sensors. This substitution achieves precise alignment through electronic control and feedback mechanisms while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through standardized sensor and actuator components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2594355B1Cross cutting and seam welding machine and process with a device for positioning two opposing ends of materials one against the other
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 NEXANS SA
  • EP2594355B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2594355B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2594355B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention describes a device and a method for precisely positioning two opposing material ends (3, 4) relative to each other. The device has two supports (1, 2), each with a fixing device (20) for one material end (3, 4), wherein at least one first (1) of the two supports (1, 2) is slidably guided relative to the second (2) of the supports (1, 2), and at least the first support (1) has a first actuating element (7) and a second actuating element (11) connected to the first actuating element (7), which form a drive by which the first support (1) can be moved relative to the second support (2).