Cam arrangement for machine used in manufacturing can bodies

Abstract

A cam arrangement for a machine used in manufacturing can bodies. The cam arrangement includes a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile. The cam surface is configured to be engaged by a cam follower of the machine. A portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface is constructed to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower. The cam arrangement further includes a sensing arrangement for determining deformation of the portion of the cam body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cam arrangement for a machine used in manufacturing can bodies, the cam arrangement comprising:
 a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile, the cam surface configured to be engaged by a cam follower of the machine, a portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface being structured to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower; and   a sensing arrangement structured to determine deformation of the portion of the cam body.   
     
     
         2 . The cam arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the cam body comprises a pocket defined therein, and wherein the portion of the cam body is disposed between the pocket and the portion of the cam surface. 
     
     
         3 . The cam arrangement of  claim 2 , wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a sensor disposed at least partially within the pocket. 
     
     
         4 . The cam arrangement of  claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises a strain gage coupled to the portion of the cam body. 
     
     
         5 . The cam arrangement of  claim 3 , wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a controller in communication with the sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The cam arrangement of  claim 5 , wherein the controller is structured to determine a force exerted by the cam follower from the deformation. 
     
     
         7 . The cam arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the cam is a stationary cam. 
     
     
         8 . A machine for use in manufacturing can bodies, the machine comprising:
 a processing arrangement structured to perform an operation in the manufacture of the can bodies, the processing arrangement driven by a cam follower; and   a cam arrangement comprising:
 a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile, the cam surface configured to be engaged by the cam follower of the processing arrangement, a portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface being structured to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower; and 
   a sensing arrangement structured to determine deformation of the portion of the cam body.   
     
     
         9 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the cam body comprises a pocket defined therein, and wherein the portion of the cam body is disposed between the pocket and the portion of the cam surface. 
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a sensor disposed at least partially within the pocket. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 10 , wherein the sensor comprises a strain gage coupled to the portion of the cam body. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 10 , wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a controller in communication with the sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 8 , further comprising a frame, wherein the cam is fixedly coupled to the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the processing arrangement is structured to perform a trimming operation on the can bodies. 
     
     
         15 . A method for determining wear of one or more components of a machine used in manufacturing can bodies, the machine having a processing arrangement structured to perform an operation in the manufacture of the can bodies, the processing arrangement driven by a cam follower interacting with a cam, the method comprising:
 monitoring, while the machine is operating, deformation of a portion of a cam body of the cam;   determining that the deformation of the portion of the cam body has exceeded a predetermined value; and   providing an indication that the deformation of the portion of the cam body has exceeded predetermined value.