Rolling Mill Roll-Change Robot With Multi-Chassis Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for loading and unloading rolling mill rolls are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the need for oversized robotic arms and the use of additional motorized equipment, which complicates maintenance operations and increases operational space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a carriage with multiple chassis and slide systems, equipped with a gripping system that includes a fourth chassis with rotational guidance and an actuator for locking and unlocking the grip, allowing for efficient extraction and insertion of rolls without the need for additional motorized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a standard robotic arm is used to handle rolling mill rolls, then automation is improved, but the robotic arm becomes oversized and requires large motors, increasing device complexity and operational space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into multiple independent chassis (first chassis for transverse movement, second chassis for longitudinal movement, third chassis for vertical movement) that work together through coordinated control. Each chassis has its own drive system, allowing the overall system to handle heavy rolls without requiring a single oversized robotic arm with large motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a traditional single robotic arm operating in three-dimensional space to a multi-chassis system that distributes movement across multiple dimensions and planes. The first chassis operates on transverse rails, the second on longitudinal rails, and the third provides vertical adjustment, effectively spreading the mechanical load across multiple independent movement planes.
2Ease of operation
If additional motorized equipment is used to assist the robotic system, then handling capability is improved, but operational complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the functions of multiple motorized equipment into an integrated robotic system with coordinated control. The first chassis, second chassis, and third chassis are merged into a single controlled system that handles rolls through coordinated movement, eliminating the need for separate motorized assistance equipment and reducing overall operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chassis robotic system performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate equipment: transverse transportation, longitudinal positioning, vertical adjustment, and roll gripping. This universal system handles all aspects of roll handling without requiring additional specialized motorized equipment for each function.
3Ease of operation
If operators are present near the seized organ during extraction, then guidance is improved, but safety risks increase due to swinging movements of heavy elements
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system operates autonomously to extract and position rolls without requiring operators to be physically present near the heavy moving elements. The system self-guides the extraction process through its coordinated multi-chassis movement and gripping mechanism, eliminating the safety hazard of operators working near swinging heavy components while maintaining operational control.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a robotic system (1) for an installation for rolling a metal strip, said installation comprising a rolling mill (L) having a mill stand and a set of rolls inside the stand, wherein the mill stand has an access opening, optionally closed by a door system, with the metal strip extending longitudinally along an X horizontal direction and transversely along a Y horizontal direction, the Y direction being parallel to the axes of the rolling mill rolls. According to the present disclosure, the robotic system (1) is suitable for performing operations involving the changing of rolling mill rolls, by removing used rolls from the mill stand and depositing them on a laterally arranged rack, and/or inserting new or reconditioned rolls into the mill stand from rolls arranged in a rack.