Rolling Mill Roll-Change Robot With Pivoting Rack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for handling rolls and backup rollers in rolling mills are inefficient and dangerous due to the need for oversized robotic arms and obstructive rack systems, which pose risks to operators and hinder maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a carriage and motorized frames that includes a grasping system capable of pivoting rolls for lateral deposition on a loading/unloading rack, eliminating the need for a motorized rack system and enhancing safety by clearing maintenance walkways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a standard robotic arm is used to handle rolls and backup rollers, then automation is improved, but the robotic arm becomes oversized and the operational bulk is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into multiple independent modules: a mobile platform for positioning, a robotic manipulator for grasping, and a counterweight system for balancing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall size requirements compared to a single large robotic arm
Solution Approach 2:
A counterweight system acts as an intermediary between the robotic manipulator and the roll/backup roller being handled. The counterweight balances the weight of the handled object, allowing the robotic arm to be smaller while still capable of handling heavy loads
2Ease of operation
If a motorized rack system is used for loading and unloading, then handling capability is improved, but the rack obstructs maintenance walkways
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a ground-based rack system to a suspended loading/unloading mechanism that operates from above. The mobile platform can position the robotic manipulator directly over the maintenance walkway area, depositing rolls without requiring ground-level rack structures that would obstruct personnel movement
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform with robotic manipulator serves dual functions: it both extracts rolls from the rolling mill and deposits them in the desired location. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate motorized rack systems, reducing the space required for handling equipment
3Stability of the object's composition
If counterweight equipment is used with crane bridge, then handling balance is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to seesaw movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the traditional crane bridge mechanical system with a robotic manipulator mounted on a mobile platform. The robotic system provides controlled, programmable movement with precise positioning, eliminating the unpredictable seesaw movements of crane operations while maintaining balance through integrated counterweight mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on the position and balance of the handled rolls or backup rollers. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the robotic manipulator and counterweight system to maintain stable operation without the hazardous movements associated with manual crane operations
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system for a plant for rolling a metal strip, the plant including a rolling mill having a roll stand and a set of rolls, internal to the stand, the roll stand having an access opening, possibly closed by a door system, the metal strip extending longitudinally according to a horizontal direction X, and transversely according to a horizontal direction Y, the direction Y being parallel to the axes of the rolls of the rolling mill. The robotic system is suited to ensure the operations of replacing rolls of the rolling mill, by extraction of the worn rolls from the stand of the rolling mill and the deposition thereof on a rack disposed laterally, and/or insertion of new or rectified rolls into the roll stand from rolls disposed in a rack.