Plate Stretching Frame With Axial Feed for Faster Cycle Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plate stretchers require long cycle times due to high non-productive periods and large stretching cylinder strokes, as they need to be loaded and unloaded from above using a crane system, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A device with axial feed and outlet capabilities, allowing plates to be fed and removed in the direction of the stretching force, using clamping heads that can move and lock relative to the stretching frame, enabling fully automated loading and unloading and reducing the length of stretching cylinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamping heads are adjusted to a size larger than the sheet to be stretched, then the sheet can be properly clamped and stretched, but the stretching cylinder stroke becomes unnecessarily large and the cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping heads are designed to be dynamically adjustable in size along the stretching direction. The first clamping head can change its opening width to match the width of each specific sheet, rather than being fixed at a maximum size. This dynamic adjustment allows the clamping heads to adapt to different sheet dimensions without requiring excessive stroke travel, thereby reducing non-productive time and optimizing the overall cycle time.
2Ease of operation
If clamping heads are moved together to feed the sheet from above using a crane system, then loading and unloading can be performed, but the non-productive time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the clamping heads together from above to feed sheets (conventional approach), the invention inverts the feeding direction by moving sheets horizontally from the side into the clamping heads. The clamping heads remain relatively stationary during loading, and sheets are fed in the stretching direction rather than vertically from above. This inversion eliminates the need for crane systems and significantly reduces non-productive loading/unloading time, thereby improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed clamping head and a movable clamping head are used, then the stretching frame can be adjusted for different plate lengths, but the device complexity increases with locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Both clamping heads are designed to be movable along the stretching direction, eliminating the need for fixed clamping heads and complex locking mechanisms. The first clamping head can move horizontally to accommodate different sheet widths, and the second clamping head can also move to maintain proper clamping position. This dynamic design provides the necessary adaptability for different plate lengths and widths without requiring additional locking devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
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
This solution drastically reduces the cycle time for stretching a single panel, allows for smaller device dimensions, and eliminates the need for crane-based loading and unloading, resulting in optimized productivity.
Implementation Method 1
axially displaceable by means of stretching cylinders
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for stretching a metal semi-finished product in the form of individual plates along a stretching section with a stretching frame (2), comprising pressure columns (7, 8) extending in the axial direction of the stretching section, a first clamping head (3) in which a first short side of the semi-finished product to be stretched can be clamped and which can be axially moved by means of stretching cylinders (5, 6), and a second clamping head (4) in which a second short side of the semi-finished product to be stretched can be clamped, wherein the device according to the invention is characterised in that at least one axial inlet and an axial outlet of the stretching frame (2) are provided and in that the clamping heads (3, 4) are designed such that the semi-finished product to be stretched can be guided axially through at least one, preferably through both, clamping heads (3, 4).