Extrusion Friction Wheel Shielding for Oxygen-Free Profile Forming
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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 safety features for friction wheel changes, such as a cantilever arm and support arrangement, to enhance operational safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the extrusion machine operates without a shielding unit, then the machine structure remains simple, but oxygen is absorbed by the heated extrusion material leading to reduced profile quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shielding unit that creates an inert atmosphere around the heated extrusion material using oxygen-free gas nozzles. This prevents oxygen absorption by the material during the extrusion process, thereby maintaining high profile quality while accepting the added structural complexity of the shielding system.
2Ease of operation
If the friction wheel is tightly secured on the drive shaft, then the machine operates reliably, but changing the friction wheel becomes difficult and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the friction wheel assembly into separable components: the friction wheel itself and the drive shaft with bearing devices. This segmentation allows the friction wheel to be easily removed and replaced by detaching it from the drive shaft, improving maintenance ease while maintaining operational reliability through proper reassembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the tool holding device is held firmly in the working position, then the extrusion process is stable, but the tool unit cannot be easily released for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the tool holding device can be firmly secured in the working position during extrusion to ensure stability, but can be easily released when maintenance or tool changes are needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between stable operation and easy accessibility as required.
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 effectively prevents oxygen absorption, ensuring higher profile quality and simplifies the friction wheel change process, reducing the risk of machine damage and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the shielding unit comprises at least one first nozzle and at least one second nozzle, that 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
The invention relates to an extrusion machine (1) comprising a main frame (5), a friction wheel (4), a tool holding device (6), a locking device (11) and a tool unit (12) supported on the tool holding device (6). Furthermore, a shielding unit (28) with at least one first nozzle (32) and at least one second nozzle (33) is provided, wherein the nozzles (32, 33) are formed to emit a gas which is free of gaseous oxygen. The first nozzle (32) is directed at a peripheral portion (29) of the friction wheel (4). The second nozzle (33) is arranged below a stripping area (30) of the tool unit (12). The invention further relates to an extrusion machine (1) with a sensor unit (25) between the tool holding device (6) and the tool unit (12) as well as a method for distance control between two tool components of the extrusion machine (1). Furthermore, the invention also relates to different extrusion machines (1) as well as methods for changing friction wheels.