C-Shaped Tool Holder Compensation for Punch-Die Centricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
C-shaped tool holders face challenges in maintaining centricity, especially in horizontal arrangements, due to weight-induced deformations and production tolerances, limiting the number of possible combinations and increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A C-shaped tool holder with compensating elements on the legs or connecting piece, adjustable to minimize gravity-caused offset differences between the punch and die, allowing for precise alignment and use in various orientations, including horizontal positions, using a modular system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the C-shaped tool holder is arranged horizontally, then it can be used in various orientations including horizontal positions, but gravity-caused deformations occur that affect centricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compensating elements that act as counterweights to offset gravity-caused deformations. These elements are positioned on the legs or connecting piece to create balancing moments that compensate for the gravitational effect on the punch and die, thereby maintaining centricity in horizontal orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts geometric parameters of the compensating elements (such as their position, size, and distribution) to minimize gravity-caused offset differences. By changing these parameters, the system achieves precise alignment while maintaining the ability to operate in various orientations.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid structures are used to maintain centricity, then alignment precision improves, but weight and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing structural rigidity through heavier materials or thicker sections, the patent changes the geometric parameters of compensating elements to achieve centricity. This approach maintains lightweight construction while achieving precise alignment through intelligent geometric design rather than brute-force rigidity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple combinations of punch and die are used, then versatility improves, but maintaining centricity across all combinations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating elements are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple combinations of punch and die. By positioning the compensating elements on the legs or connecting piece rather than on specific tools, the system achieves centricity compensation that is independent of the particular punch-die combination being used.
4Manufacturing precision
If production tolerances are tightened to ensure centricity, then alignment precision improves, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compensating elements with adjustable geometric parameters to compensate for production tolerances. Rather than requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on all components, the system allows for standard tolerances and uses the compensating elements' geometric parameters to achieve the required centricity, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the C-shaped tool holder to maintain centricity in multiple combinations, reducing the need for rigid structures and overall weight, thus lowering production costs and allowing for more versatile robotic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an offset difference due to a gravity-caused offset between the operating end of the first and the operating end of the second leg
Data Source
AI summary
A C-shaped tool holder has a first leg and a second leg that is arranged opposite to the first leg, a connecting piece by which the first leg and second leg are connected with each other at a respective connecting end. An operating end of the first leg serves for fastening a punch in the direction of the operating end of the second leg, and an operating end of the second leg serves for fastening a die dome wherein an offset difference due to a gravity-caused offset between the operating ends of the first and second legs can be minimized by at least one compensating element which is arranged at one or more of the following elements: the first leg, the second leg or the connecting piece.