Direct Extrusion Press Container Holder Auto-Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal extrusion presses require manual adjustment of the container holder, leading to prolonged production interruptions, safety concerns, and compromised alignment due to mechanical wear and geometrical variations, necessitating frequent realignment.

Innovation Solution

An automated press system with motorized adjustment devices controlled by a control unit and sensor means, allowing for precise and rapid adjustment of the container holder's position without operator intervention, using motorized members and lifting devices to manage weight and prevent mechanical wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of the container holder is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to prolonged production interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidadjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated detection and correction mechanisms. Sensors monitor the container holder position, and motorized actuators automatically adjust it without manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself and maintain alignment continuously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, control units, and motorized actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for operator intervention while maintaining precise alignment of the container holder

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual adjustment of the container holder is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability decreases due to mechanical wear and geometrical variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment consistencyVSAvoidoperator intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously monitor the position and alignment of the container holder, providing feedback to a control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism detects deviations from optimal alignment and triggers automatic correction, ensuring consistent reliability without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The unreliable manual adjustment process is replaced with an automated electromechanical adjustment system that eliminates human error and mechanical wear from the adjustment mechanism, providing consistent and reliable alignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If frequent realignment of the container holder is performed, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to production interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextrusion alignment precisionVSAvoidproduction downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and adjustment of container holder alignment before deviations affect extrusion quality. By proactively maintaining alignment through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment, the system prevents the need for corrective realignment that would cause production interruptions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and corrects alignment deviations without requiring production stoppages. The self-adjusting mechanism maintains manufacturing precision continuously, eliminating the time loss associated with manual realignment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If manual adjustment of the container holder is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety concerns increase due to operator exposure to moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidautomated adjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical adjustment operations are replaced with automated electromechanical adjustment. This substitution removes operators from contact with moving parts and high-temperature zones, eliminating safety hazards while introducing an automated control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment without human intervention, eliminating operator exposure to dangerous areas. The automated system services itself by detecting and correcting alignment issues, removing the need for operators to enter hazardous zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3677356B1Press for the direct extrusion of metallic material
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 DANIELI & C OFFICINE MECCANICHE SPA
  • EP3677356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3677356B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3677356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a press (1) for the direct extrusion of metallic material. The press comprises a supporting structure (10), a container (5) receiving the metallic material to be extruded, a container holder element (6) and a plurality of adjustment devices (15A,15B) to adjust the position of the container holder (6) with respect to the supporting structure (10). The container holder element is movable along an extrusion direction (500) by means of a plurality of pads (11A, 11B) slidable along corresponding guides (12A, 12B) integral with the supporting structure. The press comprises at least one motorized member (16A,16B) operationally connected to at least one of the adjustment devices (15A,15B) to determine a variation of the position of the container holder with respect to the supporting structure.