Torque Reaction Member Layout for Roller Drive Movement Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing torque supports in calender and rolling mill drives introduce retroactive forces that affect the accuracy of the system and limit the movement of rollers, as they either absorb torque with one-sided leverage or fix the drive in place with two coupling points, preventing complete compensation for external movements.

Innovation Solution

A torque support design featuring two rotatable force-guiding elements, one as a tension element and the other as a compression element, connected via a support element that allows only tensile and compressive forces to be transmitted, eliminating retroactive forces and enabling free movement of the rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If torque is absorbed by a single torque arm acting as a lever arm, then torque absorption is achieved, but retroactive forces are introduced into the bearing and drive system, affecting accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque absorptionVSAvoidsystem accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single torque arm is segmented into two separate torque arms positioned on opposite sides of the drive. Each torque arm independently absorbs torque and transmits forces to external fixed points, dividing the torque absorption function into two symmetric pathways that cancel retroactive forces on the bearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two torque arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the drive axis but symmetrically relative to each other, creating a balanced force system where the retroactive forces from each arm cancel each other out, eliminating net retroactive force on the bearing while maintaining torque absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Measurement precision

If two external points are used to absorb torque on opposite sides of the drive, then retroactive forces on the bearing are eliminated, but the drive position is fixed both rotationally and linearly, preventing compensation for movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem accuracyVSAvoidmovement compensation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The torque arms are designed with rotational freedom at their connection points to the drive, allowing them to dynamically adjust their angular position. This dynamic capability enables the drive to compensate for linear and angular movements while the torque arms continuously absorb torque through their force-conducting elements, maintaining both accuracy and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the bearing point of the torque arm is fixed externally, then torque absorption is stable, but the roller bearing can only move freely to a limited extent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque absorption stabilityVSAvoidroller bearing movement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The torque arms act as intermediary elements between the drive and the external fixed support points. They transmit forces while allowing rotational movement at the drive connection, serving as a mediator that maintains stable torque absorption through the force-conducting elements while preserving the freedom of movement of the roller bearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4103329B1Torque reaction member for absorbing drive torques, and roll arrangement with a torque reaction member
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
  • EP4103329B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4103329B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4103329B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a torque reaction member (1) for absorbing drive torques of at least one shaft drive, with two first power transmission elements (9) which are each rotatably fixed by a first end (11) to the shaft drive (5) and are spaced apart from one another, and with a supporting element (17) which is spaced apart from the shaft drive and to which the first power transmission elements are rotatably fixed in each case by a second end (12) lying opposite the respective first end and are spaced apart from one another, and with two second power transmission elements (10) which are rotatably fixed to the supporting element in each case by a first end (13) and are spaced apart from one another, and are rotatably fixed in each case by a second end (14) lying opposite the respective first end, to a stationary element, which is independent of the shaft drive, and are spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding roll arrangement.