Flow Forming Machine Axial Chuck Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current flow-forming machines for producing vehicle wheels require multiple machines or time-consuming conversions to accommodate different rim widths and shapes, making them expensive and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A flow-forming machine with a spinning chuck featuring a sleeve-shaped peripheral element that can be axially adjusted, combined with an electronic controller to coordinate the spinning roller and peripheral element relative to the workpiece, allowing for the formation of various rim dimensions and shapes without mechanical conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow-forming machines with different spinning chucks are provided to produce wheels with different rim widths, then the production capability for various wheel specifications is improved, but the equipment investment cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capability for various wheel specificationsVSAvoidequipment investment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spinning chuck is designed with a movable peripheral element that can be adjusted axially to different positions, enabling a single machine to produce wheels with various rim widths and shapes. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated machines, resolving the contradiction between production versatility and equipment cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral element of the spinning chuck is made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the forming process. This dynamic capability enables the same equipment to adapt to different wheel specifications, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple static machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spinning chuck is converted by changing the peripheral element to produce different rim widths, then the adaptability to various wheel specifications is improved, but the production time increases due to conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various wheel specificationsVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral element is designed to be movable and adjustable during operation, allowing quick repositioning between different wheel specifications without requiring machine conversion or downtime. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates conversion time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The axial position of the peripheral element is changed as a variable parameter to produce different rim widths. By adjusting this single parameter, the machine can switch between different wheel specifications instantly, avoiding time-consuming conversion processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed spinning chuck is used, then the machine structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot produce wheels with different dimensions and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce wheels with different dimensionsVSAvoidmachine structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spinning chuck incorporates a movable peripheral element that can be adjusted axially, adding minimal dynamic complexity to the otherwise simple fixed structure. This single movable component enables production of various wheel dimensions while maintaining overall structural simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient production of wheels with different dimensions and shapes by allowing for adjustable pressure chucking, reducing the need for multiple machines and minimizing conversion time, thereby enhancing flexibility and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spinning roller which can be advanced axially and radially onto the workpiece to form the rim

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3278894B1Flow forming machine and method for making a wheel
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 LEIFELD METAL SPINNING AG
  • EP3278894B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278894B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3278894B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c

AI summary

The invention relates to a flow-forming machine and a forming method for producing a wheel having a rim from a workpiece, with a spinning mandrel, the outside of which is configured for forming the rim, a counter-mandrel, wherein the workpiece is clamped on the spinning mandrel or the counter-mandrel, a rotary drive and at least one compression roller, which can be advanced against the workpiece for forming the rim. According to the invention, it is provided that the spinning mandrel has a sleeve-like perimeter element, which can be displaced axially during forming. A controller is provided, by means of which, while the rim is being formed, the at least one compression roller and the perimeter element of the spinning mandrel can be displaced axially relative to the workpiece in a coordinated manner.