Dynamic Chain Tensioner for Sheet Processing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
High mechanical stresses and increased vibration phenomena in chain sets of conveying devices for sheet processing machines due to rising production rates, leading to reduced service life and increased risk of breakdown, necessitate a more effective tensioning system.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic chain tensioner with an actuator controlled by a processing machine's control unit, featuring a movable support, transmission element, and rotary element that adjusts tension based on machine angle and production rate, using a cam and cam roller mechanism to apply variable thrust forces, ensuring optimal chain tensioning and vibration control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If increasingly powerful springs are used to combat violent vibrations at higher production rates, then vibration control is improved, but mechanical stresses on chain sets increase and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic tensioning system where the spring force is no longer constant but varies during the machine cycle. The tensioning force is modulated according to the instantaneous production rate and machine angle, allowing the system to provide maximum tension during high-vibration phases (acceleration/deceleration) and reduced tension during steady-state operation, thereby controlling vibrations without continuously subjecting chain sets to excessive mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of spring tension from a static constant value to a dynamic variable that depends on machine angle and production rate. By adjusting the tension parameter in real-time according to operational conditions, the system achieves effective vibration control at high production rates while reducing unnecessary stress during lower-demand phases, thus extending chain set service life
2Strength
If chain sets are reinforced to handle higher mechanical stresses, then strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using statically reinforced chain sets with higher inherent strength, the patent employs a dynamic tensioning approach where the same chain sets are subjected to variable tension forces that adapt to production demands. This dynamic control allows standard chain sets to handle higher production rates without requiring structural reinforcement, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and cost while maintaining adequate strength through intelligent force management
3Speed
If driving and braking elements are made more powerful to accelerate and decelerate reinforced chain sets, then acceleration capability is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing the tensioning force application with the machine cycle phases. The dynamic tensioning system applies enhanced forces specifically during acceleration and deceleration phases when needed for vibration control, and reduces or releases tension during steady-state motion. This periodic modulation of tension allows standard chain sets to achieve required acceleration capabilities without continuously engaging powerful driving and braking elements, thereby reducing energy consumption and avoiding increased device complexity
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
The solution significantly increases the service life of chain sets by reducing wear, maintaining precision in gripper bar positioning, and providing a more robust and compact system compared to prior art, effectively combating vibrations and mechanical stresses.
Implementation Method 1
using a cam and cam roller mechanism to apply variable thrust forces
Data Source
AI summary
A chain tensioner (50; 500) for a conveying device (70) of a machine (1; 1′) for processing elements in the form of sheets (10), the conveying device (70) includes two lateral chain sets connected to the ends of transverse gripper bars (75) able to grasp the elements (10) and at least one chain-guiding device (90) configured to guide a respective chain set (80); the chain tensioner (50; 500) includes: an actuator (9) controlled by a control unit (8), a movable support (11), a transmission element (12) borne by the movable support (11), a rotary element (13) rotated by the actuator (9) and cooperating with the transmission element (12) in order to exert a thrust force on the movable support (11), the rotary element (13) being rotatable, to adjust the tension of the chain set (80). The actuator (9) is controlled in synchronism with the machine angle (MA). A machine (1; 1′) for processing elements and a method for tensioning the chain sets (80) of the conveying device (70) are disclosed.