Independent Gap Control for Pilger Die Bearing Blocks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gap control devices for Pilger die assemblies in cold Pilger mills cannot independently control the heights of the pair of bearing blocks, leading to inaccurate alignment of die shafts due to differing assembly tolerances during die replacement.

Innovation Solution

A gap control device that includes a lower plate with receiving holes for wedge plates, adjustment blocks with inclined surfaces, and adjustment bolts, allowing independent adjustment of the heights of the bearing blocks to align die shafts accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single gap control device controls both bearing blocks, then the device structure is simplified, but the heights of the bearing blocks cannot be adjusted independently leading to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap control device structureVSAvoiddie shaft alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single gap control device is divided into two independent gap control devices, each responsible for controlling the height of one bearing block independently. This segmentation allows each bearing block to be adjusted separately to achieve precise die shaft alignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the bearing blocks are fixed in position, then the device structure is simpler, but the assembly tolerances cause misalignment of die shafts during die replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing block structureVSAvoiddie shaft alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing blocks are designed with adjustable heights through wedge plates and adjustment bolts, transforming from a fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the bearing blocks to be repositioned during die replacement to compensate for assembly tolerances and ensure accurate die shaft alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If independent adjustment mechanisms are provided for each bearing block, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedie shaft alignment precisionVSAvoidgap control device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Wedge plates are introduced as intermediary elements between the adjustment bolts and the bearing blocks. The wedge plates convert the horizontal movement of adjustment bolts into vertical height adjustment of bearing blocks, achieving independent precision control while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall device structure.

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 precise and independent control of the gap between the upper and lower bearing blocks, ensuring accurate alignment of die shafts even with varying assembly tolerances, enhancing the machining precision of pipes.

Implementation Method 1

the gap control device includes a lower plate with receiving holes for wedge plates, adjustment blocks with inclined surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP2937150B1Gap control device for pilger die assembly of cold pilger mills
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 KEPCO NUCLEAR FUEL CO LTD
  • EP2937150B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2937150B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2937150B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A gap control device for a Pilger die assembly of cold Pilger mills. The gap control device can independently control the height of a pair of bearing blocks which axially support an upper die. A lower plate 110 has first and second receiving holes 111,112 which respectively correspond to the upper portions of a pair of bearing blocks. First and second wedge plates 120, 130 are fitted into the receiving holes, and respectively have inclined surfaces on the upper portions thereof. First and second adjustment blocks 140, 150 respectively have inclined guide surfaces to be in surface contact with the inclined surfaces of the wedge plates, and are movable horizontally with respect to the lower plate. An upper plate 160 is assembled to the upper portion of the lower plate to cover the adjustment blocks. First and second adjustment bolts 170, 180 allow the first and second adjustment blocks to be respectively manipulated in a horizontal direction.