Modular Roller Drive Layout for Reconfigurable Profiling Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems for profiling systems are inflexible and cannot be easily adjusted in length or configuration to match varying deformation requirements, limiting their adaptability and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A modular drive system with interchangeable roller modules and adjustable connections, allowing for separate or combined driving of upper and lower rollers, enabling flexible configuration and extension/shortening of the system to suit different profiling needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single motor and common gearbox are used to drive upper and lower rollers, then the drive system structure is simplified, but the system cannot be easily adjusted in length or configuration when profile changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive system structureVSAvoidadjustability to profile changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is divided into separate upper roller modules and lower roller modules, each with its own gearbox and drive means. This segmentation allows each module to be independently adjusted in length and configuration, enabling the system to adapt to different profile requirements while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs adjustable and extendable drive means within each roller module, allowing the length and configuration to be dynamically changed according to the specific profile being formed. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling reconfiguration without requiring a completely different drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the drive system is designed in different lengths depending on the deformation requirements, then the system can be adapted to different profiles, but the system cannot be easily extended or shortened in length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different profilesVSAvoidease of extension or shortening
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system consists of multiple standardized roller modules that can be easily added or removed to change the overall length. Each module is a self-contained unit with gearbox and drive means, making the extension or shortening process straightforward and maintaining adaptability to different profile deformation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller modules are designed as universal, interchangeable units that can be used in various configurations. The same basic module type serves multiple functions and can be combined in different numbers and arrangements, enabling easy adjustment of system length while maintaining the same adaptable design principles.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex adjustments are made when the profile changes, then the drive system can accommodate different profiles, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different profilesVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the drive system into separate, standardized roller modules with identical or similar drive means, the system allows for quick profile changes through simple module replacement or reconfiguration rather than complex adjustments to a monolithic drive system, significantly reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables profile adaptation through changing the number, arrangement, or specific configuration of standardized modules rather than making complex adjustments to existing components. This parameter-based reconfiguration (changing module count or position) is much faster and simpler than traditional adjustment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3672741B1Drive system and profiling installation module for a profiling installation
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 PROFILMETALL ENG GMBH
  • EP3672741B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3672741B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3672741B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Drive system (1) for a profiling system for longitudinally shaping a metal strip or a starting profile into a profile or tube by means of a plurality of roller forming tools (17), wherein the upper rollers and the lower rollers are in each case driven jointly. At least one upper roller module (5, 5') and at least one lower roller module (6, 6') are provided with an elongated cuboidal housing (8), with drive means (18) located therein for jointly driving the upper rollers and lower rollers by transmission output shafts (7, 7'), which are respectively mounted in the at least one upper roller module (5, 5') and the at least one lower roller module (6, 6') and protrude out of a longitudinal side (12) of the housing. On the longitudinal side (13) of the housing opposite from the upper rollers and lower rollers there is a transmission input shaft (15), wherein the at least one upper roller module (5, 5') and the at least one lower roller module (6, 6') can be arranged in each case as a unit one on top of the other and can be releasably connected. A profiling module (20) has such a drive system (1) and is suitable for extending or reducing a profiling system as desired.