Intermediate Chain Tensioning in Metal Drawing Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawing assemblies for metal products require manual tensioning of intermediate chains, leading to imprecise and ineffective tensioning, and reliance on operator experience to detect excessive elongation, which can compromise mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
An automatic tensioning system with thruster members acting on guide segments to maintain constant tension of intermediate chains, continuously compensating for elongations and deformations, and a method to monitor and signal excessive elongation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tensioning of intermediate chains is used, then the drawing machine can be operated, but the tensioning is imprecise and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the elongation of the intermediate chain itself as the actuating force for the tensioning mechanism. When the chain elongates, it automatically triggers the thruster member to adjust the guide segment position, creating a self-regulating tensioning system that maintains optimal tension without external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tensioning with an automated mechanical system using a thruster member (likely a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator) that responds to chain elongation. This substitution eliminates human error and provides precise, repeatable tensioning adjustments
2Reliability
If operator experience is used to detect excessive elongation, then the system can operate, but the detection timing is unreliable and may compromise mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the position of the guide segment, which is automatically adjusted by the thruster member in response to chain elongation, provides continuous information about chain tension status. This feedback loop enables reliable detection of excessive elongation conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The guide segment acts as an intermediary element that translates chain elongation into a detectable position change. The thruster member adjusts the guide segment position in response to elongation, and this position serves as an intermediate indicator of chain tension status, enabling reliable detection without direct measurement of chain tension
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate chains are subjected to mechanical dilation, then the chains can accommodate movement, but excessive elongation compromises correct functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tensioning force applied to the intermediate chain through the automatic thruster member. As the chain elongates during operation, the thruster member automatically repositions the guide segment to maintain appropriate tension, adapting to the changing mechanical state of the chain without compromising reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
A drawing assembly for drawing machines for metal products (B) comprises two tracks (11) opposite each other and counter-rotating that collaborate with said metal products (B) on opposite sides with respect to a drawing axis (X) to draw them along said drawing axis (X) The tracks (11) are disposed in a closed ring around respective support plates (13), and an intermediate chain (15) is interposed between the track (11) and the corresponding support plate (13). Each support plate (13) includes at least two guide segments (18; 118), lateral, having a convex shape externally mating with the curve of the intermediate chain (15). The drawing assembly (10) comprises, for each intermediate chain (15), an automatic tensioning device (21) provided with at least one thruster member (22) acting on a respective one of the guide segments (18; 118) in order to exert constantly upon it a distancing thrust, to keep it constantly in contact with the corresponding intermediate chain (15). The invention relates furthermore to a method for tensioning intermediate chains of drawing assemblies.