Drawing Chain Caliber Change via Laterally Shifted Chain Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caterpillar track drawing machines face challenges in easily and reliably changing the caliber range of their drawing chains, which limits their operational flexibility and efficiency in gripping workpieces of varying cross-sections without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves aligning drawing tools with first and second drawing recesses on chain links, allowing for joint displacement with the chain links to change the caliber range without releasing or reconnecting the tools, and using two drawing chains with differently configured recesses to cover a broader caliber range, ensuring secure gripping without damaging the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drawing tools are displaced independently to change caliber range, then caliber adaptability is improved, but device complexity and operational reliability deteriorate due to releasing and reconnecting tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the displacement of drawing tools with the displacement of chain links by providing displacement units on the chain links themselves. The drawing tools are permanently connected to the chain links, so when the chain links are displaced laterally, the drawing tools are automatically displaced along with them. This eliminates the need for separate tool displacement mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining caliber adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain links serve multiple functions: they form the structural basis of the drawing chain, carry the drawing tools, and provide the displacement mechanism for caliber adjustment. By integrating the displacement units directly onto the chain links, the system achieves multi-functionality, reducing the number of separate components needed for caliber range changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drawing tools are released and reconnected to change caliber range, then caliber adaptability is improved, but operational reliability and time efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drawing tools permanently with the chain links through which they extend. This permanent connection eliminates the need to release and reconnect tools during caliber changes. The caliber range is changed by laterally displacing the entire chain link assembly, which automatically repositions the drawing tools without any disassembly or reconnection operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drawing tools are released and reconnected to change caliber range, then caliber adaptability is improved, but operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drawing tools with the chain links to create a permanent, reliable connection. This eliminates the risk of tools becoming loose or misaligned during operation, as they are fixed to the chain links. The lateral displacement of chain links for caliber changes maintains this reliable connection while achieving the desired adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drawing chains with differently configured recesses are used, then caliber range coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different drawing recess configurations at different locations on the same chain link. Each chain link can have multiple drawing recesses with different shapes and sizes suited for different caliber ranges. This allows a single drawing chain to handle multiple caliber ranges without requiring multiple different chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawing chain is designed to be universal by enabling a single chain to serve multiple caliber ranges. Through lateral displacement of chain links and selection of appropriate drawing recesses, the system can adapt to various workpiece cross-sections without requiring separate chains for different calibers, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In the case of a caterpillar track drawing machine having a drawing die and a caterpillar track disposed behind the drawing die, which track comprises two drawing chains having drawing tools disposed on chain links of the drawing chains, it should be possible to align the drawing tools of at least one of the two drawing chains jointly with the respective chain link, perpendicular to the drawing line, so that the caliber range can be changed, in simple and operationally reliable manner, between two drawing recesses having different caliber ranges. The latter is also possible if two different drawing recesses of the second one of the two drawing chains are intended for a first caliber range for which the first drawing recesses for at least one of the two drawing chains are intended, or if the drawing recesses of a first one of the two drawing chains deviate from the drawing recesses of a second one of the two drawing chains.