Smoothing Plant Frame Segmentation for Heavy-Roller Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calender systems face challenges in providing easy and safe access for maintenance and replacement of large, heavy rollers, particularly in multi-roller arrangements, often requiring complex mechanisms or separate devices that complicate accessibility and weaken the construction.

Innovation Solution

The machine frame is divided into two parts, allowing movement in horizontal and perpendicular directions using existing drive mechanisms, with a positive-locking hook connection for easy detachment and reconnection, enabling rollers to be safely moved into a parked position without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single integrated machine frame is used, then structural strength and stability are maintained, but accessibility for roller maintenance and replacement is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for roller maintenanceVSAvoidstructural strength of machine frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The machine frame is divided into two separate parts: a first part and a second part. The second part can be detached from the first part using coupling means, allowing the roller to be accessed and removed from the second part without compromising the overall structural integrity when coupled. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access the roller easily while maintaining structural strength during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex carriage mechanisms with hydraulic cylinders are used to move rollers, then roller positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller positioning capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of carriage mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second part of the machine frame, which contains the roller, is designed to be movable relative to the first part. The coupling means allow for easy attachment and detachment, providing dynamic reconfigurability. This enables the roller to be positioned in different locations (such as a parked position at the edge of the machine frame) without requiring complex hydraulic cylinders and lever arms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the machine frame is divided into separate parts, then accessibility for roller maintenance is improved, but the stability of the machine frame composition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for roller maintenanceVSAvoidstability of machine frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The machine frame is divided into two separate parts that can be detached and reattached. When coupled together, they form a stable structure suitable for operation. When detached, they allow easy access to the roller for maintenance. The coupling means ensure that the connection between the two parts is secure during operation, maintaining stability of the machine frame composition while enabling easy disassembly for maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4640397A1Smoothing plant
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SML MASCHENGES
  • EP4640397A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4640397A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4640397A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a smoothing machine (1) comprising at least two cooperating rollers (2, 3, 4) which can form a roller gap between them, wherein the smoothing machine (1) has a machine frame (5) in which the rollers (2, 3, 4) are rotatably mounted, wherein the machine frame (5) has a first part (6) and a second part (7), wherein each part (6, 7) supports at least one roller (2, 3, 4) and wherein coupling means (8) are arranged to detachably connect the first part (6) of the machine frame (5) with the second part (7) of the machine frame (5).In order to make it easy to access the rollers even with heavy rollers, and in particular to make maintenance and replacement work easy and safe, the invention provides that means of movement (12) are arranged to move the calender (1) in the horizontal direction (H) and in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rollers (2, 3, 4) when the first and second parts (6, 7) are coupled, and to move the first part (6) relative to the second part (7) in the horizontal direction (H) and in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rollers (2, 3, 4) after the first part (6) is uncoupled from the second part (7).