Turning Device for Leveling Assembly Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for turning over upper leveling assemblies in leveling machines require numerous complex and potentially dangerous operations, involving the use of lifting beams and cradles, which complicates access to rollers for maintenance and repair.

Innovation Solution

A device that secures the upper leveling assembly using hooks and a transfer platform, allowing for vertical translation and rotation of the assembly to access rollers without the need for extensive operator intervention, enabling quick and safe flipping of the rollers from a downward to an upward orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional lifting beams and cradles are used to turn over the upper leveling assembly, then the assembly can be flipped, but the process becomes complex and dangerous requiring numerous operator interventions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of turning operationVSAvoidcomplexity of turning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The turning device is divided into distinct functional modules: a support frame with uprights, a rotatable platform for holding the assembly, and a driving mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation and reducing the complexity of manual handling procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The turning device enables self-service operation where the upper leveling assembly can be turned over using the integrated driving mechanism without requiring multiple operators to manually maneuver lifting beams and cradles. The automated rotation capability allows a single operator to control the turning process, significantly reducing operational complexity and human intervention requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional lifting beams and cradles are used to turn over the upper leveling assembly, then the assembly can be flipped, but the process becomes dangerous requiring numerous operator interventions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of turning operationVSAvoidnumber of operator interventions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The turning device with its automated driving mechanism allows the assembly to be turned with minimal operator intervention, reducing the number of people exposed to dangerous conditions. The self-contained rotation system eliminates the need for multiple operators to manually handle the heavy assembly, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame and platform are designed to securely hold the upper leveling assembly before turning begins. The uprights and platform provide stable support throughout the rotation process, preventing accidental drops or misalignment that could cause safety incidents. This pre-established secure positioning cushions against potential safety hazards during the turning operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the upper leveling assembly is turned over using traditional methods, then access to rollers is eventually achieved, but the process takes significant time with multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to rollers for maintenanceVSAvoidtime for turning operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable platform is positioned and the upper leveling assembly is secured onto it before the turning operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the assembly is ready for immediate rotation without requiring intermediate adjustments or repositioning steps, thereby reducing the total time required to gain access to the rollers for maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The driving mechanism enables dynamic rotation of the platform, allowing the assembly to be turned continuously and quickly rather than through multiple discrete manual manipulation steps. This dynamic turning capability significantly reduces the time required to flip the assembly and gain access to the rollers, while maintaining ease of operation through controlled rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2408576B2Device for turning over a flattening element, and flattening element engaging with said device
Publication Date: 2017.03.15 PRIMETALS TECH FRANCE
  • EP2408576B2 patent drawing
  • EP2408576B2 patent drawing
  • EP2408576B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for turning over a flattening element (20), the flattening element comprising a plurality of cylinders (43) spaced apart from each other and rotatably mounted on a frame (44) and means (22) for securing the same to the turning-over device (10), the turning-over device being characterised in that it comprises: two uprights (12) extending vertically from a base (14), supporting and securing means (16) for the flattening element engaging with the securing means (22) of the flattening element (20), the supporting and securing means (16) being arranged between the uprights (12), means (19) for rotating the supporting and securing means (16) about a horizontal axis between a first position in which, when the flattening element (20) is connected to the turning-over device (10), the cylinders (43) of the flattening element (20) are oriented downward, and a second position in which, when the flattening element (20) is connected to the turning-over device (10), the cylinders (43) of the flattening element (20) are oriented upward, and driving means (18) for vertically translating the supporting and securing means (16), each translation means (18) being connected to one of the uprights (12).