Compressed Gas Cooling for Can Forming Tool Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for can bodymaker tool packs generate heat due to friction and require the use of cooling liquids that can degrade or pose waste treatment issues, while supercritical fluids are expensive and inefficient for localized cooling.
Innovation Solution
A compressed gas cooling system that directs a cooled gas to the punch and die pack using a nozzle assembly, with the gas expanding to absorb heat and maintain a dry cooling process, potentially infused with a small amount of liquid for lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling liquid (water, oil, or emulsion) is sprayed onto the punch and die pack, then cooling effect is achieved, but the liquid degrades over time and creates waste treatment problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid cooling system with a gas cooling system. Compressed gas (such as nitrogen or air) is directed through nozzles onto the punch and die pack surfaces. The gas absorbs heat through convection and phase change (if moisture is present), then is exhausted. This substitution eliminates the degradation and waste treatment issues associated with liquid coolants while maintaining effective cooling of the forming tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inert or neutral gases (such as nitrogen or compressed air) as the cooling medium. These gases do not degrade, do not support microbial growth, and do not create waste treatment problems. The inert gas environment also prevents oxidation and contamination of the metal can during forming, while effectively removing heat from the punch and die pack through convection and conduction.
2Temperature
If supercritical fluid is used for cooling, then cooling capability is improved, but system cost increases and localized cooling occurs instead of even cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available compressed gases (such as nitrogen or air) instead of expensive supercritical fluids. The gas is delivered through simple nozzles and exhausted after use. This approach provides sufficient cooling capability without requiring the complex, expensive infrastructure needed for supercritical fluid systems, while achieving uniform cooling across the tool surfaces through proper nozzle positioning and gas flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic cooling system where compressed gas is delivered through a network of conduits and nozzles positioned around the punch and die pack. The gas flow is controlled to ensure even distribution and uniform cooling across all tool surfaces. This pneumatic approach is simpler and more cost-effective than supercritical fluid systems while providing adequate cooling for the high-friction can forming process.
3Force
If friction is reduced with lubricant, then heat generation is decreased, but lubricant builds up and breaks down leaving residue that must be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid lubricants with dry film lubricants or lubricating coatings applied to the tool surfaces. These dry lubricants (such as PTFE coatings, molybdenum disulfide, or other low-friction coatings) provide continuous lubrication without the buildup and breakdown issues of liquid lubricants. The coatings are applied once and last through multiple forming cycles, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and residue removal while maintaining low friction and heat generation.
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
Effectively cools the tool pack components without liquid residue or waste treatment concerns, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs by using a dry and efficient cooling method.
Implementation Method 1
A compressed gas is delivered to at least one location adjacent the punch and die pack. A nozzle assembly directs the compressed gas toward a selected location. As the compressed gas passes through the nozzle, or immediately after passing through the nozzle assembly, the compressed gas expands. As is known, an expanding gas cools as it expands.
Implementation Method 2
The cool gas absorbs heat from the punch and die pack thereby cooling the heated components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A cooling gas system for a can bodymaker tool pack is provided. The cooling gas system uses a compressed gas to cool a punch and/or a die pack. That is, a compressed gas is delivered to at least one location adjacent the punch and die pack. A nozzle assembly directs the compressed gas toward a selected location. As the compressed gas passes through the nozzle assembly, or immediately after passing through the nozzle assembly, the compressed gas expands. As is known, an expanding gas cools as it expands. Thus, a cool gas is directed to the surface of the punch and the die pack. The cool gas absorbs heat from the punch and die pack thereby cooling the heated components.