Press Transfer Crosspiece Motion With Counterweight Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer systems for presses require high drive torques and energy consumption due to the need to move large masses with high speeds and accelerations, leading to increased wear and energy inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system with two interconnected lever arms, each equipped with independently controllable drive units, and an energy-storing element that acts in the acceleration direction to reduce peak drive torque requirements, allowing for superimposed vertical and horizontal movements without a dynamic lifting axis, thereby supporting the movement arms and relieving the drive units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a lifting device or lifting axis is used to move the moving arm vertically, then vertical movement is achieved, but high drive torques and energy consumption are required due to moving large masses at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical movement speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a counterweight cylinder that acts in the vertical direction to compensate for the weight of the moving arm and workpiece. This counterweight system reduces the drive torque required by the lifting axis, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining high vertical movement speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Productivity

If high drive torques are used to move large masses with high accelerations, then high speeds and accelerations are achieved, but high forces act on the guides leading to faster wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidguide wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight cylinder compensates for gravitational forces on the moving arm and workpiece, reducing peak forces during acceleration and deceleration. This force reduction decreases wear on the guide elements while maintaining high transfer speeds and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dynamic lifting axis is used to achieve vertical movement, then movement flexibility is achieved, but the system requires high energy input and complex drive elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement flexibilityVSAvoiddrive energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight cylinder provides gravitational compensation for the dynamically moving arm, reducing the energy required by the lifting axis while preserving the system's movement flexibility and adaptability to different workpiece positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Productivity

If the lifting axis moves large masses with high accelerations, then high productivity is achieved, but high drive torques increase the size and weight of drive units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer rateVSAvoiddrive unit weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By compensating for the weight of the moving arm and workpiece, the counterweight cylinder reduces the drive torque requirements, enabling the use of smaller, lighter drive units while maintaining high productivity and transfer rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

The system achieves energy efficiency by reducing drive torque peaks, enabling smaller, lighter drive units, and saving energy through the reuse of stored energy during movement phases, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective transfer process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one energy-storing element is provided for each movement arm, designed and arranged such that its force, or a force component thereof, points in the acceleration direction of the crosshead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4149698B1Transfer system for presses and press assembly
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 AIDA EURO GMBH
  • EP4149698B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4149698B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4149698B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a transfer system for presses, comprising at least two securing units arranged opposite one another, wherein each of the securing units has a respective first securing region. The transfer system also has a press transfer unit, consisting of two movement arms arranged opposite one another, as well as a connected crosspiece for receiving and for transporting, i.e. including setting down, a workpiece. Each of the movement arms has a first drive unit secured to the first securing region, a first lever arm, a second drive unit and a second lever arm. The first lever arm is connected to the first drive unit at its first end or between the first and a second end, and connected to the second drive unit at its second end. The second lever arm is rotatably connected to the second drive unit at its first end, and moveably connected to the crosspiece by its second end. In addition, at least one energy-storing element is provided for each movement arm, which is designed and arranged in such a way that its force or a force component thereof points in the acceleration direction of the crosspiece with or without the workpiece. In one embodiment c1, a second securing region is provided on the securing unit and the energy-storing element is directly or indirectly connected to the second securing region by its first end and secured to a predefined region of the movement arm at its second end. In an additional or alternative embodiment c2, the energy-storing element is secured to the first lever arm by a first end and to the second lever arm by its second end.