Press Crosshead Truss Structure for Lower Weight and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crossheads for open-die and drop-forging presses are heavy and cumbersome, posing challenges in manufacturing, handling, and transportation due to their solid design, and they do not allow for optimal mechanical properties or accessibility to press components.
Innovation Solution
A crosshead with a truss support structure that connects the upper and lower chords via side stands, allowing for weight reduction while maintaining mechanical parameters, and optionally enhancing mechanical properties, along with a design that eliminates the need for cylindrical sleeves and improves force dissipation through transverse tension ribs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid and massive construction is used for the crosshead, then the mechanical strength and rigidity are improved, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The crosshead is segmented into a truss support structure consisting of multiple individual struts connected at nodes, replacing the solid massive construction. This segmentation allows material to be placed only where structurally necessary, reducing weight while maintaining strength through the distributed triangular framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The crosshead employs a composite structure combining the truss support structure with the upper and lower chords. This composite design integrates the lightweight truss framework with the load-bearing chords to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid and massive construction is used for the crosshead, then the rigidity is improved, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid truss support structure is segmented into multiple struts arranged in triangular patterns, where each strut contributes to the overall rigidity. The segmented design maintains structural stability through the geometric rigidity of triangles while using less material than a solid construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The truss support structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of struts to achieve rigidity. By distributing structural elements in multiple dimensions and orientations, the design achieves rigidity without requiring excessive material in any single dimension.
3Force
If a solid and massive construction is used for the crosshead, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the handling and transportation become extremely complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The crosshead is segmented into modular components including the truss support structure with individual struts and nodes, as well as separate upper and lower chords. This modularity reduces total weight and allows for more manageable handling and transportation compared to a monolithic solid construction.
4Reliability
If a solid and massive construction is used for the crosshead, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crosshead is manufactured as a segmented truss structure with discrete struts and nodes that can be fabricated separately and assembled. This segmentation reduces material costs, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers overall production expenses while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered truss design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a crosshead (1) for use as an upper and/or lower beam (50, 60) in a press (100), in particular an open-die forging press or a closed-die forging press, comprising an upper flange (2) and a lower flange (5) connected to the upper flange (2) via a first and a second lateral upright (3, 4), the first lateral upright (3) being located in the region of a first distal end (6) and the second lateral upright (4) being located in the region of a second distal end (7) of the crosshead (1). The crosshead (1) is characterised in that, between the two lateral uprights (3, 4), it has a framework support structure (8) via which the upper flange (2) and the lower flange (5) are additionally connected to one another.