Metal Sheet Shaping Rollers With Gap Mold Pattern Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal sheet shaping machines are costly, inflexible, and limited in surface finish options, requiring expensive roller processing and restricting production diversification and aesthetic finishes.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a rubber-coated first roller and steel second roller, using a forming mold with irregularly distributed gaps for deformation, allowing for adjustable pressing force and versatile surface patterns, enabling processing of pre-treated metal sheets with various finishes and thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional rollers with complementary patterns are used for shaping metal sheets, then the metal sheet surface can be shaped with a pattern, but the machine cost becomes very high and production diversification is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern reproduction on metal sheetVSAvoidroller processing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a forming mold with a patterned surface that copies the desired pattern directly onto the metal sheet through localized deformation at gap positions, eliminating the need for expensive complementary pattern rollers. The forming mold serves as a simple template that reproduces the pattern without requiring complex roller manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The forming mold is a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced or modified to change patterns, unlike the expensive rollers that require complex processing. The mold can be discarded or changed quickly to diversify production, making it economically viable to produce different patterns rather than investing in costly roller pairs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Productivity

If steel sheet is wound in coils for processing, then continuous production is enabled, but the surface cannot be pre-treated with aesthetic finishes and is limited to polishing or satin-finish

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidsurface finish options
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention allows aesthetic surface treatments to be applied to metal sheets before they are fed into the shaping machine. The forming process occurs after the surface finish is already in place, preserving the aesthetic quality while enabling continuous production through the calender.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The forming mold creates localized deformation only at specific gap positions, leaving the rest of the sheet surface intact and preserving the pre-applied aesthetic finish. This localized action allows the bulk of the surface to maintain its decorative treatment while still achieving the desired shaping effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If a pair of rollers is produced with a specific pattern, then that pattern can be reproduced on metal sheets, but the machine becomes inflexible and cannot easily diversify production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern consistencyVSAvoidproduction diversification
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The forming mold can be easily changed or replaced to accommodate different patterns and designs, making the production system dynamic and adaptable. Unlike fixed rollers, the mold allows for quick reconfiguration to meet diverse customer demands without requiring expensive roller reprocessing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The forming mold serves as a universal tool that can be adapted to create various patterns by simply changing the mold design or configuration. A single forming mold position can accommodate multiple different mold inserts or designs, enabling one machine to produce diverse patterns for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 machine reduces production costs, enhances flexibility, and offers a wide range of surface finishes and patterns, accommodating diverse customer demands with efficient processing and alignment, while maintaining high productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a first roller (14) arranged above and comprising at least an outer layer (14') made of an elastically yielding material; said first roller (14) is adapted to exert a pressing force on said metal sheet (2) arranged on said supporting surface (7') of said forming mold (7), so that said elastically yielding material is compressed as a result of the pressure and expands only at said gaps (8) deforming the metal sheet (2) below

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3287208B1A machine for shaping a metal sheet
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 STEEL COLOR SPA
  • EP3287208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3287208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3287208B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine (1) for shaping a metal sheet (2) comprising: - feed means (3) of a metal sheet (2) to be processed; - a calender (4) comprising a first roller (14) and a second roller (24); - motor means (5', 5") adapted to operate at least one of said rollers; - recovery means (6) of the processed metal sheet (2); - a forming mold (7) having a supporting surface (7') for said metal sheet (2), where said supporting surface (7') comprises gaps (8); Said first roller (14) comprises at least an outer layer (14') made of an elastically yielding material, having a smooth surface; said second roller (24) comprises a surface made of a rigid material. Said first roller (14) is adapted to exert a pressing force on said metal sheet (2) arranged on said supporting surface (7') of said forming mold (7), so that said elastically yielding material is compressed as a result of the pressure and expands only at said gaps (8) deforming the metal sheet (2) below.