Direct Coil Transfer System for Rolling Mill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling mill coil handling systems cause surface damage to coils due to sliding frictional contact during transfer from downenders to hook carrier systems, and require expensive auxiliary equipment and significant space, which is often unavailable in existing mill installations.
Innovation Solution
Coils are directly transferred from horizontally disposed pallet stems to a horizontal hook carrier system without intermediate transfer equipment, using a rotatable cradle and motor-driven hook carrier system with an elevator mechanism to minimize contact and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an intermediate coil car transfer system is used to reduce frictional sliding contact, then surface damage to coils is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive auxiliary hydraulic systems and piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate coil car transfer system entirely, extracting the harmful complexity of hydraulic systems and piping while maintaining the beneficial effect of reduced surface damage through direct transfer from downender to hook carrier system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transfer function directly into the hook carrier system, eliminating the need for separate intermediate transfer equipment by integrating the transfer mechanism into the existing hook carrier infrastructure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an intermediate coil car transfer system is used to prevent surface damage, then coil surface quality is improved, but the space occupied on the mill floor increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate coil car transfer system that occupied substantial mill floor space, achieving direct transfer between downender and hook carrier system without requiring additional space-consuming equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a ground-level intermediate transfer system to an overhead direct transfer system, utilizing the vertical dimension and overhead space to eliminate the need for additional mill floor space
3Device complexity
If direct transfer from pallet stems to hook carrier system is implemented, then device complexity and space requirements are reduced, but surface damage from sliding frictional contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a friction-reducing intermediary mechanism at the interface between the coil and transfer equipment, using coated rollers or similar elements that mediate the contact to minimize surface damage while maintaining direct transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the transfer contact points by applying low-friction coatings or using specialized roller materials, thereby reducing the coefficient of friction and preventing surface damage during direct transfer
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 eliminates surface damage and reduces the need for expensive auxiliary systems and space-consuming equipment, enabling efficient and damage-free coil transfer in rolling mill operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elevator mechanism to thereby position the C-shaped hook
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling mill coil handling system includes a downender for rotating a coil between a vertical position supported on a pallet, and a horizontal position suspended from a hollow stem projecting from the pallet. A hook carrier system includes a C-shaped hook with a horizontally projecting arm. The hook is manipulated by carrier system components to axially insert its arm into the stem, then to raise the arm through a slot in the stem and into contact with the coil, thereby raising the coil to a level at which it is no longer in contact with the stem, and then to axially withdraw the coil from the stem.