Extrusion Machine Shielding and Gap Control for Profile Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extrusion machines face challenges in maintaining the quality of profiles by allowing oxygen absorption during the molding process and have difficulties in safely and efficiently changing the friction wheel, leading to potential machine overload and damage.
Innovation Solution
The extrusion machine incorporates a shielding unit to minimize oxygen ingress using oxygen-free gas nozzles and a method for precise control of the gap between tool components, along with improved accessibility and handling of the friction wheel through a cantilever arm and guide arrangement for easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the extrusion machine operates without a shielding unit, then the machine structure is simpler, but oxygen is absorbed by the heated extrusion material leading to reduced profile quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an inert atmosphere principle by introducing a shielding unit that emits oxygen-free gas (such as nitrogen or argon) to create an oxygen-depleted environment around the heated extrusion material. This prevents oxidation and oxygen absorption during the extrusion process, thereby maintaining high profile quality and preventing surface defects caused by oxygen contamination.
2Reliability
If the friction wheel is tightly secured to the drive shaft, then the drive connection is more reliable, but the friction wheel becomes difficult to change requiring machine dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the drive connection into separable components: the friction wheel is mounted on the drive shaft through a removable coupling mechanism rather than being permanently fixed. This allows the friction wheel to be easily detached and replaced by simply removing the coupling, while maintaining reliable power transmission during operation. The segmentation enables independent replacement of the friction wheel without dismantling the entire drive system.
3Ease of repair
If the friction wheel is easily accessible for changing, then maintenance is simpler, but the drive connection may become less secure leading to operational risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a pre-positioned coupling mechanism that secures the friction wheel to the drive shaft before operation begins. The coupling device is designed to be engaged in advance, ensuring reliable drive connection, and can be quickly released when maintenance is needed. This preliminary securing action maintains operational reliability while enabling easy access during maintenance periods.
4Manufacturing precision
If no distance control method is implemented, then the control system is simpler, but the gap between tool components cannot be precisely maintained leading to potential overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a distance control method that continuously monitors the gap between tool components (such as between the friction wheel and stripping element) and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the positions of the tool components to maintain the optimal gap width, preventing both excessive gaps that would reduce manufacturing precision and insufficient gaps that would cause overload and damage.
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
This solution maintains high profile quality by preventing oxygen absorption and allows for safer and more efficient operation of the extrusion machine, including easier friction wheel changes, reducing the risk of machine damage and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one first nozzle and the at least one second nozzle are each formed to emit a gas which is free of gaseous oxygen to minimize or prevent access of ambient air to the heated extrusion material
Implementation Method 2
at least one friction wheel rotatable about a drive axis, which friction wheel is provided with at least one peripheral groove, and is in drive connection with a drive device
Data Source
AI summary
An extrusion machine includes a main frame, a friction wheel, a tool holding device, a locking device and a tool unit supported on the tool holding device. Furthermore, a shielding unit with at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle is provided, wherein the nozzles are formed to emit a gas which is free of gaseous oxygen. The first nozzle is directed at a peripheral portion of the friction wheel. The second nozzle is arranged below a stripping area of the tool unit. Further, an extrusion machine has a sensor unit between the tool holding device and the tool unit and a method controls distance between two tool components of the extrusion machine. Furthermore, different extrusion machines as well as methods for changing friction wheels are provided.