Dynamic Redraw Sleeve Control for Symmetrical Can Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing redraw systems for can bodymakers lack dynamic adjustment capabilities during normal operation, making it difficult to maintain symmetrical loading conditions as can wall thicknesses become thinner, requiring manual adjustments that are inefficient and limited.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically adjustable redraw assembly that includes a hold down body, a redraw sleeve assembly, and a controller to adjust the position and force of the redraw sleeve relative to the hold down body, using cam bolts, actuators, position sensors, load cells, airbags, and hydraulic actuators to enable precise adjustments during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of redraw sleeve is used, then adjustment capability is provided, but adjustment must be made while machine is stopped and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static, manual adjustment system into a dynamic, automated system. The redraw sleeve position and force are now controlled by actuators (hydraulic or electric) that can adjust parameters during machine operation without stopping production. The control system receives feedback from sensors and dynamically modifies the redraw sleeve settings to maintain optimal forming conditions throughout the production cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If thicker can walls are used, then structural strength is improved, but material consumption and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecan wall strengthVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the redraw sleeve position and applied force during the forming process. By optimizing these parameters in real-time based on feedback from load cells and position sensors, the system achieves more uniform material distribution and reduced work hardening. This allows thinner gauge materials to be used while maintaining can strength requirements, as the controlled forming process prevents defects that would otherwise require thicker walls for compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If redraw sleeve force is increased, then forming precision is improved, but work hardening of material increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforming precisionVSAvoidwork hardening
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using load cells to measure the actual force applied by the redraw sleeve and position sensors to monitor sleeve location. This feedback information is fed to the control system, which dynamically adjusts actuator output to maintain optimal forming forces. This closed-loop control ensures precise forming without excessive force that would cause work hardening, as the system continuously adapts to actual material response during the forming process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250100041A1Dynamically adjustable redraw system
Publication Date: 2025.03.27 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC
  • US20250100041A1 patent drawing
  • US20250100041A1 patent drawing
  • US20250100041A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A redraw assembly for a can bodymaker includes a hold down body for slidably coupling to a frame of the bodymaker, a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve adjustably coupled to the hold down body and configured to apply a force to a cup engaged with a toolpack of the bodymaker, and a controller programmed to dynamically adjust an aspect of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body during operation of the can bodymaker.