Adjustable Deep-Drawing Tool Support for Asymmetric Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep-drawing processes often result in asymmetric loading of tools due to geometric and process variable disparities, leading to tool tilting, reduced workpiece quality, and potential collisions, especially under high process forces.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable support points and measuring devices ensures symmetrical loading by controlling adjustment paths and forces, using a controller to regulate the difference in adjustment paths and forces applied to the tool, thereby compensating for asymmetrical loading and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ram is guided with small play and appropriate geometry to reduce tilting ability, then the asymmetrical loading is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support points of the lower tool adjustable rather than fixed. The support points can move vertically independently to compensate for asymmetrical loading, transforming a static rigid guide structure into a dynamic adaptive system. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining stability through active adjustment rather than through complex rigid guidance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measuring devices to detect the positions of the support points and feeding this information to a control device. The control device then adjusts the support point positions to compensate for asymmetrical loading. This closed-loop feedback system maintains tool stability without requiring overly complex mechanical guidance structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If guide bores and pins are integrated in the tool to prevent twisting or tilting, then the tool stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed rigid guide bores and pins that require precise manufacturing, the patent uses adjustable support points with vertical movement capability. This dynamic approach compensates for tool twisting and tilting through controlled position changes rather than through precisely manufactured rigid guides, significantly easing manufacturing requirements while maintaining tool stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple adjustment devices with independent control are used to compensate for asymmetrical loading, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into multiple independently controllable support points, each with its own adjustment device. This allows independent adjustment of each support point to compensate for asymmetrical loading, thereby improving workpiece quality. The segmentation enables precise local adjustments without requiring complex coordinated movement of the entire tool system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment devices serve multiple functions: they support the lower tool, compensate for asymmetrical loading, and enable vertical positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate compensation mechanisms, thereby improving manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Device complexity
If the support points are fixed relative to the lower tool, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for asymmetrical loading is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed support points into dynamically adjustable support points that can move vertically. This dynamic capability enables compensation for asymmetrical loading while maintaining relatively simple support structure geometry. The reliability of loading symmetry is achieved through controlled movement rather than through complex fixed structural arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device comprises a tool, which has two support points, and two adjusting units (12,14), with which the tool is supported on the two support points. A measuring unit is provided for determining adjustment paths (x-1,x-2) of the adjusting units. A control unit is provided, with which the two adjusting units are controlled corresponding to a difference between the displacement paths. An independent claim is also included for a method for deep drawing of a workpiece.