Adjustable Shaping Tool Die with Rotatable Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaping tools with fixed upper and lower tool halves are limited to producing a single shape and are costly to repair, lacking adjustability and readily replaceable die plates.
Innovation Solution
The shaping tool die features adjustable upper and lower tool halves with rotatable, curved die plates that can be bolted into various positions, allowing for customizable die shapes and configurations, including straight or curved profiles, and enabling the use of different materials like steel, plastic, or wood.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixed cast or forged tool halves are used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool half is divided into multiple separate die plates that can be individually adjusted and replaced. Each die plate is a distinct component that can be positioned independently, allowing the tool to create various shapes while maintaining overall structural integrity through the segmented modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The die plates are made adjustable and movable within the tool half structure, transitioning from a fixed rigid design to a dynamic configurable system. The plates can be repositioned along guideways and secured at different locations, enabling the tool to adapt to different shaping requirements while maintaining strength through proper mechanical engagement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed cast or forged tool halves are used, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool half is segmented into multiple replaceable die plates rather than a single monolithic component. This segmentation allows individual plates to be removed and replaced independently when worn or damaged, significantly reducing repair costs and time compared to replacing an entire cast or forged tool half while maintaining structural integrity through the modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The die plates are designed as consumable components that can be discarded when worn and replaced with new or refurbished plates. This approach recovers the value of the main tool half structure while replacing only the worn components, making repair economically viable and improving ease of maintenance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single fixed shape tool is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but versatility and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is manufactured as a simple base structure with guideways and mounting mechanisms, while the shaping capability comes from interchangeable die plates. This segmentation allows the base tool to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while versatility is achieved through the separate die plates that can be configured for different shapes without complicating the main tool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool half structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different die plates. The guideways, mounting holes, and clamping mechanisms are standardized to work with various plate configurations, allowing a single tool base to perform multiple shaping functions and increasing productivity through quick changeovers between different product shapes.
Data Source
AI summary
A shaping tool die for shaping components from sheet material includes two matching shaping tool die halves, each shaping tool die half having a plurality of spaced plate die shapes, each die shape having a rotatable curved surface mated with a curved recess in the free end of a base mounting plate such that each plate die shape is separately adjustable relative to a mated mounting plate. A position fixing plate is associated with each plate die shape and base mounting plate combination to adjustably fix the position of the plate die shape relative to the base mounting plate in a desired position. A base member is provided for receiving the base mounting plates for each tool die half, and at least one clamp plate member threaded through corresponding base mounting plates of each die half and removably fixed to a corresponding base member is provided to fix the base mounting plates in place.