Stretching Machine Rail Overlap Structure for Joint Vibration Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vibrations occur when the roller passes over the joint portion between partial rails in a stretching machine rail configuration.

Innovation Solution

A rail is configured by connecting a plurality of partial rails with a plate member attached to at least one side surface, where the plate member's length is longer than the partial rail's length, to suppress vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the rail is configured by connecting a plurality of partial rails, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but vibrations occur when the roller passes over joint portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A plate member is introduced as an intermediary component attached to the side surface of each partial rail. This plate member extends beyond the end surface of the partial rail in the longitudinal direction, creating an overlapping region that bridges the gap between adjacent partial rails. When the roller passes over this overlapping region, it transitions smoothly without encountering the joint portion, thereby eliminating vibrations while maintaining the modular assembly advantage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a one-dimensional joint connection (end-to-end placement of partial rails) to a two-dimensional overlapping configuration by attaching plate members that extend in the longitudinal direction beyond the partial rail ends. This dimensional extension creates a coverage area that spans the joint portion, allowing the roller to pass over the joint region without direct contact, thus suppressing vibrations while preserving the segmented rail structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If plate members are attached to partial rails with overlapping regions, then vibrations are suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail system is segmented into modular partial rails, each with an attached plate member forming a standardized unit. This segmentation allows the complex vibration suppression function to be distributed across multiple identical modules rather than requiring a complex continuous structure. Each module independently provides the overlapping coverage needed to suppress vibrations at its joint portions, simplifying the overall design through standardization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate member is merged with the partial rail to form an integrated assembly unit. The plate member, which could be considered a separate component for vibration suppression, is instead combined with the rail structure itself. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly, as the plate member becomes an inherent part of each rail module rather than an additional attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4674599A1Stretching machine and rail for stretching machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS LTD
  • EP4674599A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4674599A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4674599A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A stretching machine comprises: a plurality of link structures which are connected to form an endless chain; and a rail 14 on which the link structures travel. The rail 14 is constituted by connecting a plurality of partial rails 141 along an extension direction in which the rail 14 extends. A plate member 147 is attached to at least one of two side surfaces 142 of the rail 14. The length of the plate member 147 along the extension direction is greater than the length of the partial rails 141 along the extension direction.