Profile Assembly Press Control for Uniform Groove Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for assembling profiles with thermally insulating sections suffer from irregular plastic deformation due to local tolerance differences, requiring complex and time-consuming setup, leading to inconsistent connection quality and low productivity, especially with diverse profile types and small batches.

Innovation Solution

A machine with adjustable and controllable press tools that move laterally to apply a uniform force for plastic deformation of groove walls, allowing for flexible handling of tolerance differences and automated operation, using hydraulic systems and proportional valves to ensure consistent force application across the profile length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If press tools are kept at a fixed lateral distance from the central axis during pressure operation, then the machine structure is simple, but irregular plastic deformation occurs due to local tolerance differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidplastic deformation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The press tool's lateral position is made dynamically adjustable during the pressure operation rather than fixed. The control unit modifies the lateral position based on real-time feedback from force sensors to compensate for tolerance differences in the profile sections, ensuring uniform plastic deformation while maintaining manageable machine structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback control system is implemented where force sensors measure the force exerted on the profile section during pressure operation, and the control unit uses this information to automatically adjust the lateral position of the press tool. This closed-loop control eliminates irregular deformation caused by tolerance variations without requiring complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If sensors and automatic adjustment mechanisms are added to measure and compensate for force variations, then connection quality becomes uniform, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection quality uniformityVSAvoidmachine setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Force sensors are integrated into the press tool to measure the actual force exerted on the profile section. The control unit receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the lateral position of the press tool to maintain uniform force application, achieving consistent connection quality without requiring complex manual setup procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The machine performs self-adjustment during operation through the automatic control system that modifies the press tool's lateral position based on real-time force measurements. This eliminates the need for complex manual setup and trial-and-error adjustment by operators, reducing setup complexity while ensuring uniform connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the lateral position of press tools is adjusted by trial and error using sensors, then connection quality can be improved, but time consumption and material loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is pre-programmed with the optimal lateral position ranges for different profile types. During operation, the system quickly determines the correct position based on force feedback without requiring time-consuming trial and error adjustments, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining high connection quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time force measurement and automatic position adjustment eliminate the need for iterative trial-and-error setup. The system immediately identifies and corrects position deviations during operation, reducing both setup time and material waste from failed test assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If press tools are designed to handle diverse profile types, then adaptability increases, but device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile type flexibilityVSAvoidtool configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The press tool's lateral position is made dynamically adjustable through a motorized or hydraulically actuated mechanism controlled by the control unit. This allows the same press tool to adapt to different profile types and groove positions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, maintaining versatility while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single press tool design with automatic lateral position control can handle multiple profile types and groove configurations. The control unit stores parameters for different profile types and automatically adjusts the tool position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing overall device complexity

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

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 machine achieves a uniform and high-quality connection between profile sections and thermally insulating sections, overcoming tolerance issues and enabling efficient assembly of various profile types with reduced operator skill requirements and increased productivity.

Implementation Method 1

plastically deform one or several walls of the grooves by means of pressing or rolling and to clamp the thermally insulating sections in the grooves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

press means with which an adjustable force can be exerted on the press tools

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

The machine is provided with switching means, in this case consisting of a pair of proportional valves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProportional valve control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3377242B1Machine and method for the assembly of profiles
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 ALURO NV
  • EP3377242B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3377242B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3377242B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Machine (1) for the assembly of profiles (2) formed of at least a first profile section (3) and a second profile section (4) connected by means of one or several thermally insulating sections (5,6), whereby the machine (1) is provided with press means (58) exerting an adjustable pressure on press tools (48) in a lateral direction (HH' ) and towards the profile sections (3,4) to be assembled so as to be able to exert an adjustable force on corresponding walls (18) of grooves (17,20,31,33,82,90) of the profile sections (3,4) in order to achieve a plastic deformation thereof.