Self-aligning Mandrel Assembly with Floating Bearing Pivot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mandrel assemblies in can decoration devices often misalign due to cantilevered construction, leading to inconsistent decoration quality and increased machine downtime, as traditional rigid components struggle to maintain precise alignment under pressure.

Innovation Solution

The mandrel assembly is designed to 'float' on the mandrel shaft with a bearing assembly creating a virtual pivot point, allowing the mandrel to pivot relative to the shaft, thus aligning with the blanket axis of rotation, even if initially misaligned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid components are used in mandrel assembly construction, then structural strength and stability are improved, but alignment precision deteriorates under operating pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel assembly incorporates a floating mechanism that allows the mandrel to dynamically adjust its position relative to the blanket axis. The mandrel is supported by bearings that permit limited movement, enabling it to self-align under operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the rigid mandrel structure to maintain strength while accommodating alignment variations through controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If precise initial alignment is specified in mandrel assembly construction, then decoration quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial alignment precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel assembly employs a self-aligning mechanism where the mandrel automatically adjusts its position through a floating bearing support system. This self-service alignment eliminates the need for complex pre-alignment procedures and reduces manufacturing complexity. The system self-corrects alignment issues during operation, maintaining decoration quality without requiring elaborate initial setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the mandrel is fixed rigidly to the mandrel shaft, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to alignment variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing support system allows the mandrel to change its positional parameters relative to the mandrel shaft within limited bounds. This controlled parameter change enables the mandrel to adapt to alignment variations while maintaining structural stability. The bearing clearance and floating mechanism provide the necessary degrees of freedom for alignment adaptation without compromising the overall structural integrity of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2580058B1Self-aligning pivotable mandrel assembly

Publication Date: 2019.05.22 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC

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AI summary

A mandrel assembly (50) for a can body (1) can decoration machine is provided. The mandrel assembly (50) includes a bearing assembly (56) that creates a virtual pivot point (100) whereby the mandrel (54) may pivot relative to the supporting mandrel shaft (52). To allow the mandrel (54) to pivot relative to the mandrel shaft (52), the bearing assembly (56) is located at one location and is the only contact point between the mandrel (54) and the mandrel shaft (52).