Rolling Mill Stand Support Rollers for Variable Work Roll Diameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roll stands have a limited usable diameter range for work rolls, restricting the ability to roll higher-strength steels efficiently and requiring a change to smaller roll stands for economical production, which complicates the process of using different steel grades and roll diameters.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for the exchange of work rolls with smaller diameters by replacing only the support systems with smaller support roll diameters, without altering the intermediate or backup rolls, and using a force-generating device to move support systems into operating positions, enabling a wider diameter range and easy switching between roll sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roll stands with fixed support systems are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the usable diameter range of work rolls is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into interchangeable support rollers with different diameters, allowing the work roll diameter range to be extended by swapping support rollers rather than redesigning the entire support structure. Each support roller can be independently replaced to match different work roll sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam structure is designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple support roller diameters. The support beam includes standardized mounting positions and adjustable components that work with various support roller sizes, making the same support structure universally applicable across different work roll diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support systems are designed to accommodate smaller work rolls, then the diameter range is expanded, but the support systems must be changed when work roll diameter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components where only the support roller needs to be exchanged when changing work roll diameters, while the support beam and other structural elements remain in place. This segmentation minimizes the exchange scope to just the necessary component.
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam incorporates adjustable and movable elements that can adapt to different support roller diameters without requiring complete disassembly. The dynamic adjustment capabilities allow quick reconfiguration by simply replacing the support roller and adjusting the beam position.
3Strength
If intermediate and backup rolls are made larger for high-strength steels, then the forming capability is improved, but the minimum work roll diameter is constrained by collision with these rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The support rollers are extracted from the fixed support structure and made independently interchangeable. This allows the support roller diameter to be decoupled from the intermediate and backup roll dimensions, enabling small work rolls to be used with appropriately sized support rollers without collision constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The diameter parameter of support rollers is made variable and selectable based on the work roll being used. By changing the support roller diameter parameter independently of the intermediate and backup rolls, the system can accommodate a wider range of work roll diameters including smaller ones for high-strength steel production.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support systems with different support roll diameters are maintained, then different work roll diameters can be accommodated, but the inventory and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal support beam design is created that can accommodate multiple support roller diameters through standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable features. This universal support structure eliminates the need for multiple dedicated support systems for different work roll sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented such that only the support roller component varies with work roll diameter requirements, while the support beam and structural framework remain standardized. This segmentation allows using the same support infrastructure with interchangeable support rollers of different diameters.
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 enables the use of a broader range of steel grades, including high-strength steels, with high production rates and easy roll changes, by allowing support systems to accommodate different work roll diameters within the same roll stand, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the force-generating device, the support systems are moved out of the range of movement of the chock carrying the intermediate roll
Implementation Method 2
Each support system includes a support roller, roller bearings and at least part of a support beam
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The subject matter of this invention is a rolling mill stand with a pair of work rolls (1, 2) for rolling a metal strip (B) with intermediate rolls (3, 4) and backup rolls (5, 6). The work rolls (1, 2) are laterally supported by support systems (30, 31, 32, 33), each support system (30, 31, 32, 33) being capable of being acted upon by a force-generating device with a support force directed towards the work roll (1, 2) and being moveable from a rest position to an operating position. According to the invention, the two work rolls (1, 2) are interchangeable with work rolls of a different diameter, whereby only the support systems (30, 31, 32, 33) need to be replaced with support systems with backup rolls of a different diameter, but not the intermediate rolls (3, 4) and backup rolls (5, 6).