Distributed Drives for Multi-Stage Can Necking Machine Gear Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-stage can necking machines rely on a single motor to drive the entire gear train, leading to high torque loads on gear teeth during emergency stops and startup conditions, which can cause mechanical stress and require steel gears to operate in an oil bath.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage can necking machine with distributed drives, where multiple motors are mechanically coupled to the gear train, using composite materials for gears that expand with heat to reduce backlash, and eliminating the need for an oil bath, with gears positioned to form a continuous meshed communication and provide easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motor is used to drive the entire gear train, then the machine structure is simpler, but high torque loads are concentrated on individual gear teeth during emergency stops and startup conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single motor drive system into multiple distributed motors (first motor, second motor, third motor) that are positioned at different locations along the gear train. Each motor drives a specific section of the gear train, segmenting the torque transmission path and distributing the mechanical load across multiple gear teeth rather than concentrating it at a single location.
2Strength
If steel gears are used to withstand high torque loads, then the gears can handle emergency stop conditions, but an oil bath is required which complicates the machine structure and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material gears (first gear, second gear, third gear) that are designed to withstand the distributed torque loads without requiring oil bath lubrication. These composite gears provide sufficient strength and wear resistance while eliminating the need for complex lubrication systems, thereby reducing structural complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Device complexity
If composite material gears are used, then the oil bath can be eliminated, but the gears must expand with heat to reduce backlash which requires specific material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thermal expansion properties of composite materials in the gear construction. As the gears operate and heat up, the composite material expands thermally, which naturally reduces backlash between meshing gear teeth. This passive thermal compensation mechanism eliminates the need for active backlash adjustment mechanisms and works seamlessly with the distributed motor drive system.
4Strength
If multiple motors are distributed among operation stages, then torque is distributed across gear teeth reducing peak load, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into multiple independent motor-gear units distributed along the operation stages. Each motor is coupled to specific gears at its location, creating modular drive sections that independently contribute to overall torque distribution. This segmentation allows the system to handle high loads through distributed torque while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed motor configuration enables dynamic torque distribution across the gear train. Each motor can be controlled to provide appropriate torque at its location, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and optimize performance across different operation stages while distributing mechanical stress.
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
Distributing torque across multiple motors reduces peak load on individual gear teeth, allowing for the use of composite materials and eliminating the need for an oil bath, while maintaining efficient operation and reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
certain composites may be used that expand when they heat up to thereby help reduce backlash between adjacent gears
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage can necking machine having distributed drives is provided. The multi-stage can necking machine may include a plural of operation stages, wherein at least some of the operation stages may be configured for can necking operations. Each operation stage may include a main turret shaft, a transfer starwheel shaft, and a support for mounting the main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft. Each main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft may have a gear, and the gears of the operation stages may be in meshed communication to form a continuous gear train. A plural of motors may be distributed among the operation stages and mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein each one of the motors may be capable of transmitting power to the gear train.