Rolling Mill Rack Layout for Direct Cylinder Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling mill installations require significant activity from automated guided vehicles to supply or extract racks, leading to increased maintenance cycle times and downtime due to the need to remove intermediate racks before accessing the closest racks to the rolling mill stand.
Innovation Solution
A racking system with a support chassis that allows racks to move from a storage position to a transport position, utilizing a motorized handling system to retract into a clearance below the level of other racks, enabling simultaneous support and movement of racks along the support frame, allowing automated guided vehicles to access and remove or supply racks without disturbing intermediate positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If racks are arranged in sequence along the support frame, then storage capacity is improved, but access time to the closest racks worsens due to the need to remove intermediate racks first
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing multiple levels (first level and second level) on the support frame. Racks can be positioned at different heights, with the first rack at a first level and the second rack at a second level. This vertical arrangement allows the robotic system to access racks at different levels simultaneously or in parallel, eliminating the sequential access requirement and reducing maintenance cycle time while maintaining high storage capacity.
2Productivity
If racks are positioned close to the rolling mill stand, then the distance the robot must travel is reduced, but the complexity of the racking system increases due to the need for intermediate rack positions
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is segmented into multiple independent levels (first level and second level), each capable of supporting racks. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple access points at different heights, enabling the robotic system to choose the most efficient path and reducing travel distance. The segmented structure maintains organizational simplicity while improving productivity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple racks are supported on the same support frame, then space utilization is improved, but the time required to access the closest rack worsens due to blocking by intermediate racks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging racks at different heights on the support frame. The first rack is positioned at a first level while the second rack is positioned at a second level, creating a multi-level storage structure. This vertical arrangement allows the robotic system to access racks at different levels without interference, as the robotic arm can service multiple levels in parallel or sequentially without needing to remove intermediate racks, thereby maintaining high space utilization while reducing maintenance cycle time.
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
Reduces maintenance cycle time by enabling direct access to racks closest to the rolling mill stand, minimizing the distance the robot must travel and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a motorized handling system configured to move, along a length of the support frame, at least a first rack and a second rack
Implementation Method 2
lifting means configured to ensure support of the at least first rack in said transport position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6a
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a rack system (RS) for storing rolling mill cylinders, comprising: - a support frame (Cha) configured to support several racks (Rac), distributed along the length of the support frame in different positions depending on the rack length, - at least one first rack (Ra1) and a second rack (Ra2) configured to rest on the support frame (Cha). Said first rack (Ra1) is configured to move from a storage position (PS) in which said first rack (Rac1) rests simultaneously on a first support (Cha1) and a second support (Ch2) of the support frame (Cha) to a transport position (PT) in which the first rack (Rac1) is configured to be retracted into the clearance (IT), below the level of the second rack (Rac2) resting on said support frame (Cha) in an intermediate position.