Modular Roll Straightening Machine for Variable Roll Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturers face challenges in finding a roll straightening machine that can be flexibly set up to accommodate different requirement profiles for straightening elongated string members, as existing machines require a varying number of straightening rolls, leading to the need for multiple machines to cover different application cases.

Innovation Solution

A roll straightening machine with motor-driven first and second rolls mounted on oblique rotation axes, where the rolls have non-cylindrical outer surfaces and are supported by removable holding means on a frame that can accommodate a variable number of rolls, allowing for modular exchange and adjustment to meet different requirement profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed number of straightening rolls is used in the machine, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the machine cannot be flexibly configured for different requirement profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for different requirement profilesVSAvoidmachine structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The straightening machine is divided into modular units where individual straightening rolls can be independently mounted or removed from the frame. Each roll is supported by separate holding means, allowing the machine to be segmented into different configurations based on the number and arrangement of rolls, thereby achieving versatility without excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine structure transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The holding means are designed to allow easy mounting and dismounting of straightening rolls, enabling the machine to adapt its configuration dynamically to match different requirement profiles for various elongated string members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple straightening rolls are added to handle different application cases, then the machine can cover more requirements, but manufacturers need to keep multiple machines available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of different application casesVSAvoidnumber of machines required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The straightening machine frame is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different numbers and arrangements of straightening rolls. This multi-functional design allows a single machine to perform multiple straightening tasks that previously required separate specialized machines, thereby reducing the total number of machines manufacturers need to maintain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the number of straightening rolls is increased, then straightening precision for stringent requirements is improved, but the machine setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraightness precisionVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means are pre-configured on the frame with standardized mounting positions and attachment mechanisms. This preliminary preparation allows straightening rolls to be quickly installed and positioned without complex setup procedures, enabling high precision straightening configurations to be achieved rapidly when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the same machine to be configured with a changeable number of straightening rolls, ensuring that elongated string members can be effectively straightened to stringent straightness standards, such as 0.2 mm deviation over one meter, by allowing for easy exchange and adjustment of rolls, thus addressing the need for versatility in tube straightening.

Implementation Method 1

the elongated string member undergoes a bending deformation, which on average leads to the elongated string member leaving the roll straightening machine in a straightened state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10987711B2Roll straightening machine and method for producing an elongated string member

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 ALLEIMA GMBH

AI summary

A roll straightening machine for straightening an elongated string member includes at least one first straightening roll rotatably mounted around a first rotation axis, and at least one second straightening roll rotatably mounted around a second rotation axis. The first and second rotation axis and rolls are oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of an elongated string member to be received in the roll straightening machine, and also oblique with respect to one another. In order to provide a roll straightening machine that can be set up flexibly for different requirement profiles, the first rotation axis is mounted on a first holding device and the second rotation axis is mounted on a second holding device. The first and the second holding devices are supported by a frame in a removable manner, which is arranged to receive a variable number of holding devices having the straightening rolls.