Radial Press Support Drive for Tilting Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The generic radial press known from EP 1510269 B1 has not proven to be sufficiently practical due to issues affecting its functional reliability, particularly related to the risk of tilting and internal eccentric forces during the radial deformation of workpieces.

Innovation Solution

A support drive is introduced between the first and second structures, which is continuously variable in length and provides a counteracting force opposite to the drive unit's direction, compensating for moments and forces caused by the lateral offset of the drive unit, thereby reducing the risk of tilting and enhancing functional reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drive unit is arranged offset from the press axis to enable lateral loading, then the loading opening can be formed, but internal eccentric forces and moments cause tilting risk reducing functional reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral loading capabilityVSAvoidfunctional reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support drive is introduced that generates counteracting forces and moments to compensate for the eccentric effects caused by the offset drive unit. The support drive is arranged to provide forces in opposite direction to the drive unit's action, effectively balancing the internal eccentric forces and eliminating the tilting risk while preserving the lateral loading capability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support drive acts in advance to counterbalance the eccentric moments and forces generated by the offset drive unit before they can cause tilting. By continuously providing compensating forces throughout the pressing stroke, the system prevents functional reliability issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Productivity

If the drive unit provides all pressing force for radial deformation, then deformation efficiency is maximized, but eccentric moments cause tilting and reduce functional safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation efficiencyVSAvoidfunctional safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force provision function is segmented between two independent drives: the drive unit that provides the primary pressing force for radial deformation, and the support drive that provides counteracting forces for stability. This segmentation allows each drive to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both high productivity and functional safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the support drive compensates for eccentric forces, then functional reliability increases, but part of the drive unit's force is used for compensation rather than deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoiddeformation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support drive acts as an intermediary system that mediates between the offset drive unit and the press structures. By introducing this intermediate force-providing element, the system can maintain the beneficial lateral loading capability while compensating for its detrimental eccentric effects, achieving both operational convenience and functional reliability

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

This solution significantly reduces internal eccentric forces and moments, ensuring increased functional reliability and reproducibility of forming results by actively managing force curves within the radial press.

Implementation Method 1

A support drive, which is arranged on the side of the drive unit facing away from the press axis and is continuously variable in length within a support stroke and provides the second structure with a counteracting force acting in the opposite direction to the direction of action of the drive unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the drive unit of the radial press according to the invention—in terms of a first preferred development—comprises at least one pulling unit, which provides the pressing force and can be designed in particular as a hydraulic cylinder-piston unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic Press: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2509725B1Radial press
Publication Date: 2013.03.20 UNIFLEX HYDRAULIC
  • EP2509725B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2509725B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2509725B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a radial press for the radial deformation of workpieces (1) relative to a press axis comprising a first and a second structure (9, 10), each having a press yoke (3, 4). The two press yokes form a receiving chamber for a press tool (6). Under the action of a drive unit (12), the second structure can be linearly moved by a pressing stroke relative to the first structure between an open position and a pressing end position in a working plane perpendicular to the press axis. In the open position of the radial press, a lateral feed opening (13) is formed between the two press yokes. The drive unit is arranged offset with respect to the press axis only on the side facing away from the feed opening. A supporting drive (20), which is arranged on the side of the drive unit (12) facing away from the press axis and can be continuously longitudinally adjusted in a defined manner within a supporting stroke, acts between the first structure (9) and the second structure (10). At least for a part of the pressing stroke, the supporting drive provides a counterforce acting in the opposite direction of the direction of action of the drive unit between the first structure and the second structure.