Self-Lubricating Rollbar Chain for High-Temperature Continuous Presses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Continuous presses used in wood-based panel and composite production face high operating costs due to the need for liquid lubricants, which are limited in temperature range, leading to inefficiencies and increased expenses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a self-lubricating coating, such as tungsten carbide or molybdenum sulfide, on chain pins and roller bars within the roller bar chain, eliminating the need for conventional lubricants and enabling operation at higher temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid lubricants are used on chain pins, then friction is reduced, but operating costs increase and temperature range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain operation reliabilityVSAvoidoperating cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The chain pins are equipped with self-lubricating coatings that provide inherent lubrication without requiring external liquid lubricants. The coating material itself (such as PTFE, graphite, or other low-friction materials) provides the lubricating effect, allowing the chain to service itself and eliminating the need for additional lubricant application systems and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the liquid lubricant system with a solid-state self-lubricating coating on the chain pins. This substitution eliminates the mechanical system of lubricant delivery and the associated operating costs, while extending the temperature range beyond what liquid lubricants can withstand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If liquid lubricants are used, then chain wear is reduced, but temperature resistance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechain wear resistanceVSAvoidoperating temperature range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the lubrication system by transitioning from liquid lubricants with limited temperature stability to solid self-lubricating coatings that maintain their lubricating properties at elevated temperatures. The coating materials are selected specifically for their thermal stability and low-friction characteristics across a broad temperature range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces lubricant consumption, lowers operational costs, and allows for higher temperature processing, enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of continuous presses in producing wood-based panels and composite materials.

Implementation Method 1

the chain pins are provided with a self-lubricating (dry-lubricating) coating, at least in certain areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-lubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

They are characterized by very low coefficients of friction and low adhesion tendencies with good wear resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow coefficient of friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3491269B1Rollbar chain and continuous press
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 SIEMPELKAMP MASCHINEN UND ANLAGENBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3491269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3491269B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3491269B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a rollbar chain for a continuous press (1), in particular for producing timber material boards, composite boards or composite components, wherein the rollbar chain is formed as a plate-link chain (6), to which rollbars (5) can be fastened by means of rollbar bearing bolts (7), wherein the plate-link chain (6) has chain plates (9, 10) connected by means of chain bolts (12), wherein the chain plates (9, 10) have elongate holes (18) which extend in the chain circulation direction and into which the rollbar bearing bolts (7) can be inserted, characterized in that the chain bolts (12) have, at least in some sections, a self-lubricating coating.