Improved eyeshadow system and method

The eyeloning system addresses sensor unreliability by integrating a sensor with the ram through an adapter and a defined gap, ensuring accurate force detection and reducing maintenance, thereby improving production efficiency and defect prevention.

JP7612021B2Active Publication Date: 2025-01-10NOVELIS INC(US)
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023533673
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-12-15
Filing Date
2021-12-14
Publication Date
2025-01-10
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing eyeloning systems with force sensors are unreliable and prone to premature failure, leading to increased maintenance costs and processing delays.

Method used

An eyeloning system with a ram and sensor system, where the sensor is coupled to the ram via an adapter, allowing precise detection of forces during the eyeloning process, including a gap between the punch nose and sleeve to prevent overload and improve sensor accuracy.

Benefits of technology

The system provides reliable force measurement, reducing the likelihood of sensor failure, minimizing maintenance, and enhancing production efficiency by allowing real-time control of eyeloning processes to prevent defects and optimize operating conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The ironing system includes a ram, a sensor system, and a punch nose. The ram includes a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber. The punch nose is connected to the ram nose via a sensor, the sensor configured to detect a force applied to the punch nose during the ironing process. An adapter can be coupled to the inner surface of the ram, and the adapter can support the sensor on the ram body.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 199,228, filed December 15, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This application relates generally to metalworking techniques, and more particularly to an improved system and method for ironing. [Background technology]

[0003] Many cans or tubular articles, such as food and beverage cans, fire extinguishers, gasoline tanks, oil filter casings, damper casings, and many other types of articles, are manufactured from metallic materials, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, brass, low carbon steel, and a variety of other suitable materials. The process of forming a can or tubular article from a metallic material generally involves manufacturing a blank from the metallic material and then drawing the blank to form a shallow cup. After the shallow cup is initially drawn, the cup may be redrawn to reduce its diameter and deepen the cup. The cup is then ironed to reduce the wall thickness and ultimately provide the body of the can or tubular article. Ironing generally involves passing the metallic material axially through one or more ironing dies to reduce the wall thickness in an ironing system having a ram and a punch. Various forces may be applied to the punch, ironing die, and / or metallic material during ironing, and these forces may involve a variety of factors that can be controlled during ironing. However, existing ironing systems that include force sensors are subject to unreliability and premature failure, and the force sensors are typically difficult to maintain, resulting in increased costs and process delays. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "the present invention" as used in this patent are intended to broadly refer to all of the subject matter of this patent and the claims that follow. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the claims that follow. The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims that follow, not this Summary. This Summary is a high level summary of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

[0005] According to various examples, the ironing system includes a ram and a sensor system. The ram includes a ram body and a ram nose, the ram also including an interior surface that defines an interior chamber. The sensor system includes a sensor and an adapter. The sensor is configured to detect a force during the ironing process, the adapter being coupled to the interior surface of the ram and supporting the sensor to the ram body.

[0006] According to certain examples, the ironing system includes a ram, a punch, and a sensor system. The ram includes a ram body and a ram nose, and the punch includes a punch nose and a punch sleeve. In various embodiments, the punch nose is configured to engage the metal blank during the ironing process. The sensor system includes a sensor coupled to the punch nose, the sensor configured to detect a force on the punch nose during the ironing process.

[0007] According to certain examples, the ironing system includes a ram, a punch nose, and a sensor system. The ram includes a ram body and a ram nose, the ram also including an interior surface that defines an interior chamber. The sensor system includes a sensor, the punch nose connected to the interior surface of the ram nose via the sensor. In various embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect a force exerted on the punch nose during the ironing process.

[0008] The various embodiments described in this disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein, but will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

[0009] Features and components in the following figures are illustrated to highlight the general principles of the present disclosure: Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by corresponding reference characters for consistency and clarity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of an ironing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 shows the force acting on the punch of the ironing system of FIG. 1 during ironing. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of an ironing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is another view of a portion of the ironing system of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a portion of an ironing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram of an adapter of an eye-opening system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a sensor of an eyening system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Although the subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is described herein with particularity to meet statutory requirements, this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying a particular order or arrangement among or between the various steps or elements, unless the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. References to directions such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "bottom", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" are intended to refer to the orientations shown and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions refer, among other things.

[0012] 1 and 2 show a portion of an ironing system 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The ironing system 100 includes a punch 102, a ram assembly (not shown in FIG. 1) that drives the punch 102 in an axial direction 104, and at least one ironing die 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the ironing die 106 includes an entry face 108 and an inner face 110. The inner face 110 defines an opening or gap 112. During ironing, the punch 102 drives the metal article 114 in the axial direction 104 through the gap 112 of the ironing die 106 such that the sidewall of the metal article 114 is ironed from an initial thickness 116 to a final thickness 118. The ironing process may be repeated as many times (and with as many types of ironing dies) as desired to produce a body having a desired wall thickness.

[0013] 2 shows some examples of forces exerted on the punch 102 during ironing. The total forming load 220 is the force exerted by the punch 102 (through the ram assembly) on the metal article during ironing. The total forming load 220 generally corresponds to the sum of the frictional force 222 between the punch 102 and the sidewall of the metal article and the punch nose force 224 between the punch 102 and the bottom of the metal article. The punch nose force 224 corresponds to the tension force within the wall of the metal article. In some cases, the total forming load 220 is measured at the ram assembly itself, at the die, at the die holder, and / or at the bolster plate.

[0014] 3-7 illustrate a portion of another ironing system 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The ironing system 300 includes a punch 302, a ram assembly 326, and a sensor system 348. In various embodiments, the sensor system 348 includes a sensor 350 and an adapter 352 that at least partially supports the sensor 350 relative to the ram assembly 326, as described in more detail below.

[0015] As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the ram assembly 326 includes a ram body 328 having a front end 330 and a rear end 332. A ram nose 334 extends from the front end 330 of the ram body 328 and terminates at a ram nose end 336. In various embodiments, the diameter of the ram nose 334 is smaller than the diameter of the ram body 328. The ram assembly 326 is driven in the axial direction 104 by an actuator to form the metal article into a cup during the ironing process. In some examples, the actuator is a linear actuator, but in other examples, the actuator need not be a linear actuator. In various embodiments, the ram assembly 326 is driven at any suitable speed to produce a desired number of cups per minute. As some non-limiting examples, the ram assembly 326 may be driven at a speed of about 400-450 strokes per minute, where one stroke refers to one cycle of engaging, forming, and releasing one cup. In other words, at 200-450 strokes per minute, the assembly engages, forms, and disengages the cups at a rate of approximately 200-450 strokes per minute.

[0016] As best shown in FIG. 3, the ram assembly 326 includes an inner surface 338 that defines an internal chamber 340. The internal chamber 340 optionally extends to the ram nose end 336, but in other examples, it may not extend that far. The inner diameter of the internal chamber 340 need not be the same along the length of the ram body 328. As a non-limiting example, in FIGS. 3-5, a first portion of the internal chamber 340 between the aft end 332 and the ram nose end 336 has a maximum inner diameter, a second portion of the internal chamber 340 between the first portion and the ram nose end 336 has a minimum inner diameter, and a third portion of the internal chamber 340 between the second portion of the internal chamber 340 and the ram nose end 336 has an intermediate inner diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second portion but less than the diameter of the first portion. In certain embodiments, the internal chamber 340 has an inner diameter such that a shoulder 370 is defined by the inner surface 338. In other embodiments, the interior chamber 340 can have various other profiles, inner diameters, or combinations of inner diameters, as desired.

[0017] In some embodiments, the inner surface 338 of the ram assembly 326 includes a first ram coupling mechanism 358 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the adapter 352 with the ram assembly 326 and / or a second ram coupling mechanism 359 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for connecting the adapter nut 354 with the ram assembly 326. In various embodiments, the first ram coupling mechanism 358 and the second ram coupling mechanism 359 are provided on a portion of the inner surface 338. The first ram coupling mechanism 358 and the second ram coupling mechanism 359 can be various suitable coupling devices or mechanisms for connecting the adapter nut 354 and the adapter 352, respectively, with the ram assembly 326. The type of coupling mechanism utilized as the first ram coupling mechanism 358 does not have to be the same as the type of coupling mechanism utilized as the second ram coupling mechanism 359. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the first ram coupling mechanism 358 and the second ram coupling mechanism 359 are both threaded. In other embodiments, the first ram coupling mechanism 358 may be omitted and the adapter 352 may not be directly coupled to the inner surface 338 (e.g., only the second ram coupling mechanism 359 is utilized). In yet other embodiments, the second ram coupling mechanism 359 may be omitted (along with the adapter nut 354) and the adapter 352 may be directly connected to the ram assembly 326 via the first ram coupling mechanism 358.

[0018] As best shown in Figure 5, in various embodiments, the exterior surface 339 of the ram body 328 may optionally include an outer ram coupling mechanism 360 on at least a portion of the exterior surface 339. The outer ram coupling mechanism 360 may selectively engage the punch sleeve retaining nut 356. The outer ram coupling mechanism 360 may be a variety of suitable mechanisms or devices for engaging and connecting the punch sleeve retaining nut on the ram body 328. In the embodiment of Figures 3-7, the outer ram coupling mechanism 360 is threaded.

[0019] In certain examples, the ram assembly 326 optionally includes a pressure system that maintains a constant pressure within the internal chamber 340 such that coolant and / or moisture within the ram body 328 is minimized and / or reduced. As one non-limiting example, the pressure system may maintain a pressure of about 1-20 PSI within the internal chamber 340, such as about 5-10 PSI within the internal chamber 340, although other pressures may be maintained in other examples. By minimizing and / or reducing the coolant or moisture within the internal chamber 340, the likelihood of the sensor 350 shorting out is minimized and / or reduced.

[0020] Punch 302 includes a punch sleeve 342 and a punch nose 344. As best shown in Figures 3 and 4, punch sleeve 342 is supported on ram nose 334 between punch nose 344 and ram body 328, and in various embodiments, punch sleeve 342 abuts ram body 328 at front end 330. In some examples, and in the embodiments of Figures 3-7, punch sleeve 342 and punch nose 344 are separate components such that punch nose 344 can move relative to punch sleeve 342. In other examples, punch sleeve 342 and punch nose 344 are formed as a single or unitary component.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, in various embodiments, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 can couple the punch sleeve 342 to the ram assembly 326. In certain embodiments, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 includes a coupling mechanism 357 that is complementary to the outer ram coupling mechanism 360. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, the coupling mechanism 357 is a threaded mechanism that is complementary to the threaded mechanism of the outer ram coupling mechanism 360. As best shown in FIGS. 3-5, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 can engage the ram assembly 326 (via the coupling mechanism 357) to join the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 with the ram assembly 326. In various embodiments, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 engages the ram assembly 326 such that the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 captures a portion of the punch sleeve 342 between the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 and the front end 330 of the ram body 328.

[0022] The punch nose 344 includes a nose coupling mechanism 364 that may selectively couple the punch nose 344 to the sensor 350. The nose coupling mechanism 364 may be centered on the punch nose 344, but may not be centered in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the nose coupling mechanism 364 is a protrusion that extends toward the ram body 328 when the punch nose 344 is assembled, the protrusion defining a threaded opening. In other embodiments, the nose coupling mechanism 364 may include various other structures and / or coupling devices for connecting the sensor 350 to the punch nose 344. In certain embodiments, as described in more detail below, the punch nose 344 may be coupled to the sensor 350 such that a gap 362 is maintained between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. In some embodiments, nose coupling mechanism 364 may allow punch nose 344 to be connected to sensor 350 such that gap 362 has a desired gap size and / or maintains gap 362 during processing. In other embodiments, a spacer may be disposed between punch nose 344 and ram nose 334 to define gap 362 between punch nose 344 and punch sleeve 342. Punch nose 344 optionally includes one or more passages 620 (best shown in FIG. 6 ) that allow air flow through punch nose 344 to aid in removing the metal article from punch sleeve 342.

[0023] In various aspects, the gap 362 may be intentionally provided between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. In certain aspects, the gap allows the punch nose 344 to move relative to the punch sleeve 342 when a force is applied. In various embodiments, this movement may cause a strain or deflection of the sensor 350, which may be measured as a force. The gap 362 between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342 may be adjustable to control the size of the gap, and the size of the gap 362 may be set such that under certain forces there is movement between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342, and under other forces movement is prevented or limited between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. In other words, the gap 362 may provide an adjustable force limit for the sensor 362. In one non-limiting example, the gap 362 can allow movement between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342 at forces up to 10,000 pounds, although in other embodiments, the force limit can be greater or less than 10,000 pounds. In situations where the force is below the force limit, the sensor 350 can detect a corresponding strain and provide a force measurement. In situations where the force exceeds the force limit, the punch nose 344 may run out of space to move and bottom out the punch sleeve 342, where there is no further movement of the punch nose 344 and the sensor 342 may not be able to detect any additional strain or force. Thus, the gap 362 can be adjusted to allow a range of forces to be measured (e.g., up to the force limit) while minimizing the impact (e.g., overload) on the sensor 342 at forces above the force limit. As one non-limiting example, the gap 362 can allow accurate measurements between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve during ironing as long as the sensor is not overloaded during the doming operation.

[0024] As previously discussed, the sensor system 348 includes a sensor 350 and an adapter 352. As best shown in FIGS. 3-6, in various embodiments, the adapter 352 can couple the sensor 350 to the inner surface 338 of the ram body 328. In some embodiments, the sensor system 348 includes an adapter nut 354 that secures the adapter 352 relative to the ram assembly 326. As best shown in FIG. 6, the adapter nut 354 includes a coupling mechanism 630 that is complementary to the second ram coupling mechanism 359 such that the adapter nut 354 can engage the second ram coupling mechanism 359 and retain a portion of the adapter 352 between the adapter nut 354 and a shoulder 370. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, the coupling mechanism 630 includes threads that are complementary to the threads of the second ram coupling mechanism 359. In various embodiments, retention of a portion of the adapter 352 between the adapter nut 354 and the shoulder 370 can position the adapter 352 relative to the ram assembly 326.

[0025] As best shown in FIG. 6, the adapter 352 includes a central opening 621 that selectively receives the sensor 350. The central opening 621 has an inner surface 623, and in various embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surface 623 includes an adapter coupling mechanism 610 that selectively engages the sensor 350 (discussed in more detail below). As with other coupling mechanisms described herein, the adapter coupling mechanism 610 may be any of a variety of suitable devices or apparatus for coupling the sensor 350 to the adapter 352. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6, the adapter coupling mechanism 610 includes a threaded feature.

[0026] In addition to the central opening 621, the adapter 352 may also include one or more passages 620 extending along the length of the adapter 352. The number, shape, or size of the passages 620 should not be considered limiting. In various embodiments, the one or more passages 620 may allow for air flow through the adapter 352 and / or around the sensor 350. In some embodiments, the air flow through the passages 620 may provide a positive pressure that may be used to remove the metal article from the punch sleeve 342 after forming.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3-7, the sensor 350 may be supported by an adapter 352 in the ram body 328. As best shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, in various examples, the sensor 350 is supported by an adapter 352 on the ram assembly 326 so as not to interfere with normal operation of the ram assembly 326 at high speeds or other operating conditions. In some optional examples, the adapter 352 can center the sensor 350 within the inner diameter of the ram body 328, while in other examples the adapter 352 may not center the sensor 350 within the inner diameter.

[0028] In various embodiments, the sensor 350 is configured to detect an amount of punch nose force 224 that corresponds to a tension on the sidewall of a metal article (e.g., a can) being formed from the metal blank. The sensor 350 may be a load cell or various other sensors suitable for measuring the force of the ironing system 300 during ironing, as desired. The sensors described herein are not intended to require a particular structure or type of sensor, and the sensor 350 may have various structures and / or various types of sensors, as desired. In certain embodiments, the sensor 350 may be communicatively connected to a controller or other suitable device that may use the force data to determine the force generated during ironing and / or that may otherwise utilize the data provided by the sensor 350. In some cases, additional sensors may be used to measure other aspects of the ironing system, as desired.

[0029] 7, the sensor 350 may include a first sensor coupling mechanism 710 for selectively coupling the sensor 350 to the punch nose 344 (see, e.g., FIG. 3) and / or a second sensor coupling mechanism 720 for selectively coupling the sensor 350 to the adapter 352 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In various embodiments, the first sensor coupling mechanism 710 is complementary to a corresponding coupling mechanism on the punch nose 344 and / or the second sensor coupling mechanism 720 is complementary to the adapter coupling mechanism 610. As with the other coupling mechanisms described herein, the first sensor coupling mechanism 710 and / or the second sensor coupling mechanism 720 may be various suitable devices or arrangements for coupling the sensor 350 to the adapter 352 and / or punch nose 344, and the type of coupling mechanism of the first sensor coupling mechanism 710 need not be the same as the type of coupling mechanism of the second sensor coupling mechanism 720. 3-7, the first sensor coupling mechanism 710 and the second sensor coupling mechanism 720 each include threads. A cable 730 or wiring for the sensor 350 can pass through an inner diameter of the ram body 328 (FIG. 3) and communicatively connect the sensor 350 to a controller or other suitable device that may utilize the force data detected by the sensor 350. The cable 730 can exit the ram assembly 326 at various locations, including but not limited to through the rear end 332, as needed.

[0030] The sensor 350 may be coupled to the punch nose 344 by engaging the first sensor coupling mechanism 710 with the nose coupling mechanism 364. As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the punch nose 344 may be coupled to the sensor 350 such that a gap 362 is maintained between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. In these embodiments, the gap 362 may enable the sensor 350 to detect and / or indicate the punch nose force 224 against the punch nose 344. Additionally, in some embodiments, the connection between the punch nose 344 and the sensor 350 allows the gap 362 to be set and / or maintained as desired.

[0031] 3-7, a method of assembling eyelash locking system 300 can include coupling sensor 350 to adapter 352. In some embodiments, coupling sensor 350 to adapter 352 includes engaging second sensor coupling mechanism 720 with adapter coupling mechanism 610.

[0032] The method may also include placing and securing the adapter 352 on the ram body 328. Placing the adapter 352 on the ram body 328 may include inserting the adapter 352 into the internal chamber 340 of the ram body 328. Securing the adapter 352 may include placing the adapter nut 354 within the internal chamber 340 and engaging the coupling mechanism 630 with the second ram coupling mechanism 359 such that a portion of the adapter 352 is retained between the adapter nut 354 and the shoulder 370. Additionally or alternatively, securing the adapter 352 may include engaging the adapter 352 with the first ram coupling mechanism 358.

[0033] In various embodiments, the method also includes positioning the punch sleeve 342 on the ram nose 334. The method may include securing the punch sleeve 342 relative to the ram nose 334 by engaging a coupling feature 357 of a punch sleeve retaining nut 356 with an outer ram coupling feature 360 ​​such that the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 captures a portion of the punch sleeve 342 between the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 and the front end 330 of the ram body 328.

[0034] The method may include mating the punch nose 344 with the ram assembly 326 by engaging a nose mating feature 364 of the punch nose with a first sensor mating feature 710 of the sensor 350. In various embodiments, mating the punch nose 344 may include defining a gap 362 between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342.

[0035] During ironing, punch nose 344 engages the bottom of the metal article and experiences punch nose force 224. In certain examples, sensor 350 may transmit data in real time, while in other examples, sensor 350 may transmit data at predetermined time intervals.

[0036] The punch nose force 224 can be measured directly by the ironing system 300. In certain embodiments, various aspects of the ironing system 300 can be controlled based on the measured punch nose force 224 to control the ironing process. For example, in some cases, the type of metal used in the metal article, various surface characteristics of the punch 304 and / or the metal article, the type of lubrication used, the design of the ram, punch, or ironing die, the machine speed, or various other aspects of the ironing system 300 can be controlled based on the detected force. As an example, an increase in punch nose force 224, which is associated with increased tension on the sidewall of the metal article during ironing, can directly correlate to an increased likelihood of defects, i.e., "roll-up." In some cases, various aspects of the ironing system 300 may be controlled based on the detected punch nose force 224 to reduce the incidence of curling, control redraw forces, monitor and control wear on the die, inhibit wrinkle formation, monitor and control lack of lubrication, monitor and control punch through or other types of defects, etc. In some cases, the force detected by the sensor 350 may be used to adjust process parameters to reduce operating costs and / or increase production efficiency. As non-limiting examples, a decrease in the detected force may indicate an opportunity to reduce the amount of lubrication and / or increase speed to reduce operating costs, and an increase in force may indicate that the die is wearing out to reduce or avoid downtime.

[0037] Provided below is a collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly listed as "exemplary," that provide further explanation of various exemplary embodiments according to the concepts described herein. These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting, and the present disclosure is not limited to these example illustrations, but rather encompasses all feasible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0038] Example 1. An ironing system comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; a sensor system including a sensor, the sensor configured to detect a force during an ironing process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram, the adapter supporting the sensor to the ram body.

[0039] Example 2. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter.

[0040] Example 3. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further comprising a punch supported on the ram nose, the punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during processing, and the punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body.

[0041] Example 4. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the punch nose is coupled to the sensor.

[0042] Example 5. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example, or combination of examples, wherein a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0043] Example 6. An ironing system as described in any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, the punch sleeve retaining nut being coupled to an outer surface of the ram nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is retained on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

[0044] Example 7. An ironing system as described in any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, and the ironing system further includes an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

[0045] Example 8. An ironing system comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose; a punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during the ironing process; and a sensor system including a sensor coupled to the punch nose, the sensor configured to detect a force applied to the punch nose during the ironing process.

[0046] Example 9. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut coupled to an outer surface of the ram nose, the punch sleeve being supported on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

[0047] Example 10. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the ram includes an inner surface defining an internal chamber, the sensor is supported within the internal chamber, and the punch nose is threadedly connected to the sensor.

[0048] Example 11. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the ram includes an inner surface defining an internal chamber, the sensor is supported on the adapter, and the adapter is coupled to the inner surface of the ram within the internal chamber.

[0049] Example 12. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter.

[0050] Example 13. An eyeliner system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the sensor is indirectly connected to the ram nose.

[0051] Example 14. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the sensor is coupled to the punch nose such that a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0052] Example 15. An ironing system comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; a sensor system including a sensor; and a punch nose connected to the inner surface on the ram nose via the sensor, the sensor configured to detect a force applied to the punch nose during the ironing process.

[0053] Example 16. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the adapter supporting the sensor, and the adapter being coupled to the inner surface of the ram.

[0054] Example 17. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter.

[0055] Example 18. An ironing system as described in any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, and the ironing system further includes an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

[0056] Example 19. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further comprising a punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body, the punch nose being coupled to the sensor such that a gap is defined between the punch sleeve and the punch nose.

[0057] Example 20. An ironing system as described in any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further including a punch sleeve retaining nut coupled to the ram nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is retained on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

[0058] The above aspects are merely possible examples of implementations and are described merely for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiment(s) without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are used in the present specification and the following claims, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limiting the described invention or the following claims. Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in [Item 1] to [Item 20] below. [Item 1] An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; 1. A sensor system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a force during an ironing process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram, the adapter supporting the sensor to the ram body; and The sensor system includes: The eyeshadow system comprising: [Item 2] 2. The eyeliner system of claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter. [Item 3] 2. The ironing system of claim 1, further comprising a punch supported on the ram nose, the punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during processing, and the punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body. [Item 4] 4. The ironing system of claim 3, wherein the punch nose is coupled to the sensor. [Item 5] 5. The ironing system of claim 4, wherein a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve. [Item 6] 4. The ironing system of claim 3, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, the punch sleeve retaining nut being coupled to an outer surface of the ram nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is retained on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body. [Item 7] 2. The ironing system of claim 1, further comprising an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, and a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder. [Item 8] An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose; a punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during an ironing process; a sensor system including a sensor coupled to the punch nose, the sensor configured to detect a force on the punch nose during the ironing process; and The eyeshadow system comprising: [Item 9] 9. The ironing system of claim 8, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut coupled to an outer surface of the ram nose, the punch sleeve being supported on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body. [Item 10] 9. The ironing system of claim 8, wherein the ram includes an inner surface defining an internal chamber, the sensor is supported within the internal chamber, and the punch nose is threadably coupled to the sensor. [Item 11] 9. The ironing system of claim 8, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber, the sensor supported on the adapter, and the adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram within the internal chamber. [Item 12] Item 12. The eyering system of item 11, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter. [Item 13] 9. The eyering system of claim 8, wherein the sensor is indirectly connected to the ram nose. [Item 14] 9. The ironing system of claim 8, wherein the sensor is coupled to the punch nose such that a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve. [Item 15] An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; a sensor system including a sensor; a punch nose connected to the inner surface of the ram on the ram nose via the sensor, the sensor configured to detect a force exerted on the punch nose during an ironing process; The eyeshadow system comprising: [Item 16] Item 16. The ironing system of item 15, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the adapter supporting the sensor, the adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram. [Item 17] Item 17. The eyeliner system of item 16, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passageways surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passageways extends along a length of the adapter. [Item 18] Item 16. The ironing system of item 15, wherein the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, the ironing system further including the adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder. [Item 19] Item 16. The ironing system of item 15, further comprising a punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body, the punch nose being coupled to the sensor such that a gap is defined between the punch sleeve and the punch nose. [Item 20] 20. The ironing system of claim 19, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut coupled to the ram nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is retained in the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

Claims

1. An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; 1. A sensor system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a force during an ironing process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram, the adapter configured to support the sensor on the ram body and to couple the sensor to the inner surface of the ram body; and The sensor system includes: The eyeshadow system comprising:

2. An eyening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; 1. A sensor system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a force during an ironing process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram, the adapter supporting the sensor to the ram body; and The sensor system includes: Including, the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter; The eye-opening system.

3. An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; 1. A sensor system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a force during an ironing process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram, the adapter supporting the sensor to the ram body; and The sensor system includes: a punch supported by the ram nose; Including, the punch includes a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during processing, and the punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body; The eye-opening system.

4. An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; 1. A sensor system comprising: a sensor configured to detect a force during an ironing process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram, the adapter supporting the sensor to the ram body; and The sensor system includes: Including, the ironing system further comprising an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, and a portion of the adapter is retained between the adapter nut and the shoulder. The eye-opening system.

5. 5. The eyeliner system of claim 1, 3 or 4, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passages surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passages extends along a length of the adapter.

6. 5. The ironing system of claim 1, further comprising a punch supported on the ram nose, the punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during processing, and the punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body.

7. The ironing system of claim 3 or 6, wherein the punch nose is coupled to the sensor.

8. The ironing system of claim 7 , wherein a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

9. 7. The ironing system of claim 3 or 6, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, the punch sleeve retaining nut being coupled to an outer surface of the ram nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is retained on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

10. 4. The ironing system of claim 1, further comprising an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, and a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

11. An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose; a punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, the punch nose configured to engage a metal blank during an ironing process; a sensor system including a sensor coupled to the punch nose, the sensor configured to detect a force on the punch nose during the ironing process; and The eyeshadow system comprising:

12. 12. The ironing system of claim 11, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut coupled to an outer surface of the ram nose, the punch sleeve being supported on the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

13. 12. The ironing system of claim 11, wherein the ram includes an interior surface defining an interior chamber, the sensor is supported within the interior chamber, and the punch nose is threadedly engaged with the sensor.

14. 12. The ironing system of claim 11, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber, the sensor supported on the adapter, and the adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram within the internal chamber.

15. 15. The eyening system of claim 14, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passageways surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passageways extends along a length of the adapter.

16. The ioning system of claim 11 , wherein the sensor is indirectly connected to the ram nose.

17. The ironing system of claim 11 , wherein the sensor is coupled to the punch nose such that a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

18. An eye-opening system, comprising: a ram including a ram body and a ram nose, the ram including an inner surface defining an internal chamber; a sensor system including a sensor; a punch nose connected to the inner surface of the ram on the ram nose via the sensor, the sensor configured to detect a force applied to the punch nose during an ironing process; The eyeshadow system comprising:

19. 20. The ironing system of claim 18, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the adapter supporting the sensor, the adapter coupled to the inner surface of the ram.

20. 20. The eyening system of claim 19, wherein the adapter includes a central opening and a plurality of passageways surrounding the central opening, the sensor is supported within the central opening of the adapter, and each of the plurality of passageways extends along a length of the adapter.

21. 20. The ironing system of claim 18, further comprising an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the ram such that the inner surface of the ram includes a shoulder, and a portion of the adapter is retained between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

22. 20. The ironing system of claim 18, further comprising a punch sleeve supported on the ram nose between the punch nose and the ram body, the punch nose being coupled to the sensor such that a gap is defined between the punch sleeve and the punch nose.

23. 23. The ironing system of claim 22, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut coupled to the ram nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is retained in the ram nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the ram body.

Citation Information

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