Multi-axis roll-forming of stepped-diameter cylinder
AssigneeInno-Spin LLC
InventorsDoug Watchorn, Michael Nasson, Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, Robert Chrouch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-axis roll-forming system for forming a stepped diameter in a cylinder. The system includes a support configured to spin about a rotation axis while supporting a workpiece including a cylinder. A first actuator is configured to translate a first roller perpendicular to rotation axis. The first roller includes a truncated conical work surface configured to press against the inward-facing surface of the cylinder to angle it outward according to a slant angle of the truncated conical work surface.
Claims19
A multi-axis roll-forming method for forming a stepped diameter in a cylinder, comprising:
- spinning the cylinder about a rotation axis encircled by the cylinder, the cylinder having a first diameter;
- and
- during the step of spinning:
- (a) translating a first roller radially outward, relative to the rotation axis, against an inward-facing surface of a lower portion of the cylinder to angle the lower portion radially outward;
- and
- (b) after the step of translating, moving at least one multi-axis roller radially outward and upward, against the inward-facing surface as angled radially outward, to press the lower portion against an anvil so as to shape the lower portion into (i) a cylindrical wall having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter and (ii) a ledge connecting the cylindrical wall characterized by the second diameter to an upper portion of the cylinder characterized by the first diameter,
- wherein the step of translating maintains a material thickness at a bend connecting the lower portion and the upper portion to no more than six percent of the original material thickness of the cylinder prior to the step of translating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.