Reversing Reel Mandrel Support for Accurate Coil Winding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reversing reels experience deflection of the free end of the reel mandrel during winding, leading to reduced winding accuracy and coil flatness issues due to the weight of the coil and band tension, particularly when handling high coil weights in metal strip rolling processes.

Innovation Solution

A reversing reel with a rotor and a mandrel support device featuring a pivotally supported bearing head that adjusts to align with the resulting forces from the coil weight and band tension, utilizing a piston-cylinder arrangement to maintain optimal support and prevent tilting moments, ensuring symmetrical support and accurate winding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the reel mandrel is supported only at the drive-side end, then the device complexity is reduced, but the winding accuracy and coil flatness deteriorate due to mandrel deflection under coil weight and band tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport device structureVSAvoidwinding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into multiple independent components: a movable mandrel support unit with bearing elements positioned at both ends of the reel mandrel. This segmentation allows each bearing element to independently support the mandrel, preventing deflection while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable mandrel support unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed drive-side support and the reel mandrel. This intermediate support device provides the necessary support force to counteract coil weight and tension without requiring complex fixed support structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a heavy and complex support device is used to support the reel mandrel, then the winding accuracy improves, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding accuracyVSAvoidsupport device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel support unit is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and support force according to the varying load conditions during winding. This dynamic adaptation maintains winding accuracy without requiring an overly complex rigid support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable mandrel support unit automatically adjusts its support force based on the actual load from coil weight and band tension, eliminating the need for complex external control systems or heavy structural reinforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the reel mandrel is supported on both sides with symmetrical bending line, then the winding accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding accuracyVSAvoidsupport device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into two separate bearing elements positioned at both ends of the reel mandrel, with each element providing independent support. This segmentation achieves symmetrical support and prevents mandrel deflection while keeping each individual support component simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable mandrel support unit performs multiple functions: it provides support at both ends of the mandrel, accommodates varying load conditions, and maintains symmetrical bending line. This multi-functionality achieves high winding accuracy without requiring multiple separate complex support structures

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 solution effectively reduces deflection of the reel mandrel, enhances winding accuracy, and maintains coil flatness by counteracting the weight and tension forces, resulting in improved operational stability and precision during the winding process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one driven mandrel support device (4) comprising a mandrel support (5) with a bearing head (6) that can be moved with the reel mandrel (3) according to a variable position of the reel mandrel (3) when the reel mandrel (3) is transferred from a winding position to a finishing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The mandrel support (5) is aligned according to or parallel to a resultant force from the weight of the coil and the tensile force on the band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical support force: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3911457B1Reversing reel and method for operating a reversing reel
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP3911457B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3911457B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3911457B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a reversing reel (1) having a rotor (2) on which at least one reel mandrel (3), provided with a rotary drive, for winding tape (9) into a coil (8) is arranged eccentrically with respect to an axis of rotation (D) of the rotor (2), having at least one driven mandrel support device (4), comprising a mandrel support (5) that has a bearing head (6) for supporting a free end of the at least one reel mandrel (3), wherein the bearing head (6) is movable with the reel mandrel (3), in accordance with a variable position of the reel mandrel (3), when the reel mandrel (3) is transferred from an initial-winding position (A) into a final-winding position (F), wherein the mandrel support (5) is in the form of a first piston-cylinder arrangement (7) and the mandrel support (5) is supported in a pivotable manner via a mandrel-support bearing (11) on a slide (13) that is movable tangentially to a circular path of the reel mandrel (3), and wherein the inclination of the mandrel support (5) and the position of the bearing head (6) are adjustable such that the mandrel support (5) is oriented in accordance with a resultant force (R) from the weight force (G) of the coil (8) and the tensile force on the tape (BZ). The invention also relates to a method for winding up tapes by means of such a reversing reel.