Synchronous Clamping Device for Profile Extrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current clamping devices in profile extrusion are inefficient in terms of energy usage and environmental impact, and require multiple tools for different functions, often leading to misalignment during the extrusion process.

Innovation Solution

A device with three to eight equidistant clamping devices around the profile, connected via a cardan shaft and gear coupling, allowing synchronous adjustment of all clamping elements via servomotors to ensure central positioning and simultaneous operation, reducing the need for multiple tools and improving energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for different functions (calibration, cooling, sealing, clamping), then each function can be performed, but the device complexity increases and energy consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate tools (calibration device, cooling device, sealing device, clamping device) into a single integrated extrusion device. The clamping device includes a clamping unit that can perform sealing, calibration, and clamping functions sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is designed as a universal tool that can perform multiple functions: sealing the profile end, calibrating the profile dimensions, and clamping the profile for cutting. The adjustable clamping elements and interchangeable sealing elements enable a single device to handle different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized tools.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If clamping devices are adjusted independently, then each clamp can be positioned, but misalignment occurs during extrusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidalignment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple clamping devices are connected through a common drive mechanism that synchronizes their operation. The drive unit coordinates the movement of all clamping elements simultaneously, ensuring they all move to their positioned states at the same time, which prevents misalignment and ensures reliable central positioning of the profile during extrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors and coordinates the position of all clamping elements, using feedback from position sensors to ensure synchronized adjustment. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and correct any misalignment, ensuring all clamps are positioned accurately and simultaneously around the profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Force

If traditional clamping mechanisms are used, then clamping function is achieved, but energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping elements are actuated in a synchronized periodic manner through the coordinated drive mechanism. Instead of continuous high-energy operation, the system uses controlled, synchronized activation of clamping elements only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient clamping force during the extrusion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional high-force mechanical clamping mechanisms with a more efficient system using controlled actuation and coordination. The synchronized drive mechanism distributes the clamping force more effectively across multiple elements, reducing the energy required per element while achieving the same overall clamping effect.

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

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 solution ensures precise central positioning of the profile around the extrusion axis, improving fixation and reducing energy consumption while allowing for easy adjustment to different profile cross-sections, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and simplicity of the extrusion process.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling device is a cardan shaft with an arranged gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCardan shaft transmission: Axle

Implementation Method 2

the coupling device is a cardan shaft with an arranged gear and the clamping elements are connected to a toothed rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the clamping elements are connected to a toothed rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 4

Each of the clamping devices has a servomotor, which according to the invention is a servomotor, in order to move the clamping element radially with respect to the extrusion axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectServomotor actuation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP3055117B1Device for fixing extruded plastics profile
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 BATTENFELD CINCINNATI GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3055117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3055117B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for profile extrusion, consisting of at least three clamping arrangements (23, 24) disposed equidistantly around the perimeter of an extruded profile (6), wherein a clamping element (25) can be placed directly on the extruded profile (6). According to the invention the one clamping element (25) is mounted in each of the clamping arrangements (23, 24) and the clamping elements (25) can be moved radially with respect to the extrusion axis (9) by a drive mechanism (26), and each clamping arrangement (23) is connected to the adjacent clamping arrangement (24) by a coupling arrangement (28).