Spray Bar Tilt Layout for Faster Rolling Mill Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rolling mills face challenges in efficiently maintaining and replacing cylinders due to the tedious and time-consuming process of dismantling ramp tilting devices, which often results in the risk of catching hoses and requiring complex decoupling of actuators and supply means during maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A rolling mill design with a tilt adjustment device actuator positioned on the side opposite the maintenance window, allowing ramps to be extracted without decoupling the actuator or supply means, utilizing a removable connector and articulation mechanism to facilitate easy ramp extraction through the maintenance window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuator is positioned on the same side as the maintenance window, then it is easier to access during maintenance, but the ramp cannot be extracted without decoupling the actuator and supply means, increasing maintenance complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to actuator during maintenanceVSAvoidDecoupling requirements for ramp extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is extracted from the maintenance window side and positioned on the opposite side, separating it from the ramp extraction path. This allows the ramp to be removed through the maintenance window without requiring decoupling of the actuator or supply means, as these components remain positioned on the opposite side of the cage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator and supply means are positioned on the maintenance window side, then maintenance access is improved, but hoses may be caught during cylinder extraction, creating safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMaintenance accessVSAvoidHose entanglement risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator and supply means are extracted from the maintenance window side and repositioned on the opposite side. This spatial separation ensures that hoses and actuators do not interfere with cylinder extraction operations through the maintenance window, eliminating the risk of hose entanglement while maintaining ease of access to the maintenance window for ramp removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the ramp tilting device components are positioned on the maintenance window side, then the structure is more compact, but ramp extraction requires tedious dismantling of multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpatial arrangement of componentsVSAvoidRamp extraction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator and supply means are extracted from the maintenance window side and positioned on the opposite side. This allows the ramp to be quickly removed through the maintenance window without requiring dismantling of the tilting device components, significantly reducing maintenance time while the overall structure remains compact as these extracted components occupy space on the opposite side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Simplifies maintenance operations by reducing the risk of hose entanglement and shortening the time required for ramp extraction and insertion, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder configured to change the inclination of the ramp around the pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4400225B1Rolling mill equipped with a device for adjusting the inclination of the spraying line
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 FIVES DMS
  • EP4400225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400225B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a rolling mill, specifically a cold rolling mill, comprising: - cylinders or sets of rollers including at least one pair of working cylinders capable of defining the air gap of a strip to be rolled, - at least one spray bar (3a, 3b) for spraying a lubricating and/or cooling fluid, located near the plane of the strip to be rolled, - a stand (2) within which said cylinders are arranged, - at least one device for adjusting the inclination of said at least one spray bar including an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder configured to change the inclination of the spray bar about the pivot axis. According to this disclosure, said actuator of the inclination adjustment device is arranged on the second side (C2) of the stand, opposite the first side (C1) of the maintenance window.