Segmented Spreader Roller With Bearing-Coupled Pivot Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide and spreader rollers for web materials face challenges in achieving precise positioning and spreading effects while maintaining low production costs, particularly in applications like papermaking where high accuracy and cost-effectiveness are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A roller design featuring pivotably supported cylindrical segments with adjustable outer segments and strategically placed bearings that ensure accurate transmission of actuating forces, utilizing self-aligning roller bearings and adjustable coupling rods to allow for precise alignment and spreading, while minimizing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If roller segments are adjusted as a rigid block, then the structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy and spreading effect are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is divided into multiple independently pivotable roller segments supported on a common shaft. Each segment can be adjusted individually via adjusting devices, allowing precise positioning and spreading effects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Device complexity
If roller segments are supported by O-rings, then the structure is simple, but the guidance accuracy deteriorates when segments are pivoted
Solution Approach 1:
Bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent roller segments. These bearings provide precise guidance and support during pivoting motion, ensuring accurate transmission of adjustment movements while maintaining a simple support structure.
3Device complexity
If elastic rings are used to couple roller segments, then the structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy decreases due to elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Bearings serve as intermediary elements between roller segments, replacing elastic rings for the critical positioning function. The bearings transmit adjustment movements rigidly without elastic deformation, ensuring high positioning accuracy while maintaining a simple coupling structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If eccentrics are used for roller segment adjustment, then the positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is segmented and distributed to simple adjusting devices for each roller segment, rather than using a complex centralized eccentric mechanism. This approach achieves the required positioning accuracy while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
5Device complexity
If the entire roller is pivoted, then the structure is simple, but the web guidance accuracy deteriorates due to path differences at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is segmented into multiple independently adjustable sections. This allows different parts of the roller to be positioned independently, eliminating the path differences at edges that occur with whole-roller pivoting, while maintaining a relatively simple segmented structure.
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 provides high positioning accuracy and spreading capabilities with reduced production costs, suitable for various web widths and speeds, ensuring precise guidance and spreading of materials without the need for complex and expensive manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing contacts the adjacent roller segments at at least two points of contact, either sliding or rolling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a roller (1) for guiding and/or stretching the width of a moving web (2) of material. The roller (1) is provided with a central support body (5). Roller sections (3) are supported on the support body. Here, the roller sections (3) are supported so as to pivot around a pivot axis (4). The pivot axis extends transversely relative to the axis (1') of the roller. The roller sections are connected operatively to an actuating device (6) determining the pivoting positions of the roller sections. In order to transfer pivoting movement accurately from one roller section (3) to the other roller section (3), in each case, at least one bearing on two sides of the pivot axis and contacting the roller sections (3) is arranged between the two adjacent roller sections (3).