Vertical Can Bodymaker Crank Mechanism for Ram Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional can bodymakers with horizontally oriented rams face issues such as ram droop, mis-alignment, and limited production capacity, leading to quality problems and the need for multiple machines to meet production quotas.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented can bodymaker with two rams traveling over a vertical path, utilizing a crankshaft, motor, and link assembly to maintain alignment and increase production efficiency, allowing for the simultaneous formation of multiple can bodies per cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a horizontally oriented ram is used in a can bodymaker, then the construction of components is simpler, but the ram experiences droop causing mis-alignment and quality problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal orientation of the ram to a vertical orientation. This inversion eliminates the droop problem that causes mis-alignment in horizontal rams, as the vertical orientation allows gravity to work in favor of maintaining alignment rather than causing deviation. The crankshaft mechanism is accordingly reoriented to drive the vertical ram motion.
2Device complexity
If a single horizontally oriented ram is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the production capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rams (at least two rams are disclosed) into a single integrated bodymaker system. The crankshaft mechanism is designed with multiple crankpins that can simultaneously drive multiple rams, allowing multiple can bodies to be formed in parallel during each operational cycle, thereby significantly increasing production capacity without requiring separate independent machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The crankshaft mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to reciprocating linear motion for each ram, synchronizes the operation of multiple rams, and enables simultaneous formation of multiple can bodies. This multi-functional design increases productivity while controlling device complexity.
3Productivity
If a vertically oriented ram is used, then production capacity increases, but the device complexity increases due to the crankshaft and link assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a crankshaft as an intermediary mechanism between the rotational drive and the reciprocating rams. The crankshaft with its crankpins and connecting rods acts as a mediator that efficiently converts rotational motion into synchronized reciprocating motion for multiple rams. This intermediary mechanism, while adding some complexity, enables the vertical orientation and multi-ram configuration in a mechanically sound and controllable manner.
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 vertical orientation of the rams eliminates droop-related mis-alignment issues and enhances production capacity, enabling the simultaneous formation of multiple can bodies per cycle, thus improving efficiency and reducing the need for multiple machines.
Implementation Method 1
The operating mechanism includes a crankshaft, a motor, a link assembly, and a number of ram assemblies. The crankshaft is rotatably coupled to the housing assembly and includes a number of pairs of crankpin journals. The link assembly includes a number of links. Each ram assembly includes an elongated ram body, each ram body structured to move over a ram path. Links from the link assembly extend between, and movably couple, each crankshaft crankpin journal to a ram body.
Data Source
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AI summary
A can bodymaker (10) is provided. The can bodymaker (10) includes two rams (250) that travel over a generally vertical path. The bodymaker (10) includes a housing assembly (11) and an operating mechanism (14) structured to move a number of ram assemblies (250) over a vertical path of travel. The operating mechanism (14) includes a crankshaft (150), a motor (152), a link assembly (180), and a number of ram assemblies (250).