Redraw Sleeve Servo Actuation With Variable-Speed Eccentric Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing can bodymakers require a heavy and robust linkage between the ram drive mechanism and the redraw sleeve, which leads to wear and tear, and necessitates a more energy-intensive drive mechanism.

Innovation Solution

An independent actuator for the redraw sleeve using an eccentric journal coupled to a servomotor drive shaft, allowing for variable rotation speed and a collapsing redraw cylinder to ensure proper clamping and movement of the redraw sleeve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heavy and robust linkage is used between the ram drive mechanism and the redraw sleeve, then the redraw sleeve can be reliably actuated, but wear and tear increases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable actuation of redraw sleeveVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the heavy mechanical linkage system with a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into the required linear motion of the redraw sleeve. This substitution reduces the weight and complexity of the mechanical transmission components while maintaining reliable actuation through the cam's geometric profile that directly controls sleeve movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameters by introducing a cam mechanism that provides variable velocity motion to the redraw sleeve. The cam profile is designed to provide rapid movement during positioning and dwelling during forming, optimizing the motion parameters to reduce energy consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a heavy and robust linkage is used between the ram drive mechanism and the redraw sleeve, then the redraw sleeve can be reliably actuated, but wear and tear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliable actuation of redraw sleeveVSAvoidwear and tear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the motion control function from the heavy linkage system and concentrates it in the cam mechanism. By taking out the motion transformation function and implementing it through the cam profile, the design eliminates the need for complex intermediate linkages that would be subject to wear and tear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the redraw sleeve moves forward and back for each cycle with dwelling in forward position, then proper cup clamping and forming is achieved, but the motion control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup clamping and forming precisionVSAvoidmotion control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-stage mechanical motion control with a cam mechanism that inherently provides the required motion sequence. The cam profile is designed with different sections: a rising section for forward movement, a dwell section for clamping during forming, and a falling section for return movement, thereby simplifying the overall control system while achieving precise manufacturing results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic rotational motion of the cam to achieve the required periodic linear motion of the redraw sleeve. Each rotation of the cam corresponds to one forming cycle, providing automatic periodic actuation with the correct sequence of movements, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 reduces wear and tear by decoupling the redraw sleeve's motion from the ram drive mechanism, allowing for more precise control and energy efficiency in the can body formation process.

Implementation Method 1

an independent actuator for the redraw sleeve using an eccentric journal coupled to a servomotor drive shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an independent actuator for the redraw sleeve using an eccentric journal coupled to a servomotor drive shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4324636B1Actuator with variable speed servo motor for redraw assembly

Publication Date: 2025.03.05 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC

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AI summary

An actuator (50) for a redraw sleeve (40) that operates independently of the ram drive mechanism (14) is provided. The actuator (50) utilizes an eccentric journal (62) coupled to a drive shaft (58) of a servomotor (52). The servomotor (52) is structured to provide its output shaft (58) with a variable rotation speed so as to accommodate the need for the redraw sleeve (40) to be in selected locations at specific times. Further, the redraw sleeve (40) includes a collapsing redraw cylinder (144) to allow the redraw sleeve (40) to dwell in a forward position.