Forming Roller Presetting for Accurate Thread Phasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual phasing of forming rollers in rolling machines for creating external threads on cylindrical bodies is time-consuming, requires significant operator skill, and often results in errors, especially when frequent replacements are needed for different processing types and maintenance, disrupting the production cycle.

Innovation Solution

An independent device that measures the axial coordinate and angular position of forming rollers' threads with respect to a reference plane, using a laser measuring instrument and software to calculate and communicate the necessary phasing data to the rolling machine's numerical control, allowing for precise and repeatable setup without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual phasing operations are used to position forming rollers, then the operator can directly adjust the rollers using intervention on suitable adjustment devices, but the operation requires considerable operator skill and is time-consuming with possible omissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of roller phasingVSAvoidtime for phasing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated optical measurement system. A laser sensor automatically detects the axial coordinate of the thread on the forming roller, and a control unit calculates and displays the angular position, eliminating the need for manual phasing operations and reducing both time and skill requirements

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service phasing by automatically measuring and calculating the roller positions without operator intervention. The laser sensor and control unit work autonomously to determine the angular position, allowing operators to simply read the displayed values and make adjustments based on objective data rather than manual trial-and-error

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If frequent replacement of rollers is performed for different processing types and maintenance, then the machine can handle various production requirements, but the phasing process must be repeated frequently disrupting the production cycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different processingVSAvoidproduction cycle efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary measurement and calculation of the roller angular position before actual machining begins. By using the laser sensor to detect the axial coordinate and the control unit to calculate the angular position in advance, the system prepares all necessary phasing data beforehand, so when rollers are replaced for different processing types, the new rollers can be quickly phased using the pre-calculated reference values without disrupting the production cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If sensor means are integrated into the rolling machine to detect axial coordinate, then the machine can automatically determine angular position and phase rollers, but the machine requires built-in measurement sensors which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of phasing processVSAvoidmachine complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement function from the machining function by using an independent laser sensor system that can be positioned separately from the rolling machine. The laser sensor is mounted on a movable support that can be positioned independently, allowing the measurement system to be added or removed without modifying the core rolling machine structure, thus increasing automation while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of a laser sensor and movable support that bridges the gap between the workpiece and the measurement apparatus. This intermediary setup allows automated detection of the axial coordinate without requiring integrated sensors within the rolling machine itself, enabling automation while keeping the machine structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate and efficient phasing of forming rollers, reducing operator error and production downtime, and allowing for consistent machine settings even without built-in thread measurement sensors, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the rolling process.

Implementation Method 1

uncovering and measuring the axial coordinate of the thread of the forming roller with respect to a predetermined reference plane, with determination of the angular position of the plane containing the characteristic points of at least one thread of the forming roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3708269B1An independent device for presetting forming rollers for rolling machines for external threads
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 ORT ITAL SINCE 1964 SRL
  • EP3708269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708269B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3708269B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An independent device for presetting (1) forming rollers for rolling machines for making external threads on cylindrical bodies or pieces to be formed (C) of mechanical parts, is predisposed to determine the characteristic points of the external thread (12) of the forming rollers (10) and detect the angular position or characteristic angle (ϕ) of the beginning of the thread with respect to a predetermined reference plane before the work phase of the machine which receives the data detected for the purpose of the correct phasing of the forming rollers (10) on the same.