Can Neck Curling Collet for Sharp-Shoulder Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for curling the necks of metal cans, particularly those with unfavorable shoulder shapes or made from materials with high deformation resistance like aluminum alloys or steel, face challenges in maintaining axial strength due to deformation issues during the curling process.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an expansion control device and collet mechanism that inserts into the can neck, using a curling flange with a profile to curl the neck without causing deformation, by controlling segment expansion and utilizing a stop mechanism to adjust the curling process, allowing for the formation of a straight shoulder at an angle of 10 to 50° relative to the can's axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gradual necking is used for curling can necks, then the process works for favorably shaped shoulders with curved profiles, but it causes deformation of the shoulder when the can has a sharp-angled shoulder or is made from materials with high deformation resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inserting a support tool into the can body before the curling operation begins. The support tool is positioned in advance to provide internal support to the shoulder area, preventing deformation during the subsequent curling process. This pre-positioning of support ensures that when the curling flange applies force to form the neck, the shoulder maintains its intended sharp-angled geometry without buckling or deforming.
2Productivity
If forming tools apply force to curl the neck of cans with sharp-angled shoulders, then the neck can be formed, but the force exceeds the axial resistance of the can causing deformation of the shoulder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a support tool that provides opposing support force to the shoulder area during neck formation. The support tool acts as a counterbalancing element, distributing the forming forces and preventing the axial load from exceeding the can's resistance. This allows the curling flange to apply sufficient force to form the neck while the support tool simultaneously provides counter-support to prevent shoulder deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thin-walled cans or cans made from materials with higher deformation resistance are used, then the can structure is more refined, but the resistance to axial load is reduced making the shoulder more susceptible to deformation during curling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a support tool as a mediating element between the can body and the curling flange. This support tool serves as an intermediate structure that transfers and distributes the forces during neck formation. For thin-walled cans or cans made from materials with high deformation resistance, the support tool provides the necessary internal support to compensate for the reduced axial load capacity, enabling successful neck curling without shoulder deformation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tool for curling of can's neck as part of a tool plate comprising an expansion control device (46) for controlling of the spreading of a collet (6) in which is with one end by means of a collet clutch (11), which is inside of the expansion control device (46) arranged interconnecting means provided on the other end with a stop mechanism (45), wherein in the collet clutch (11) a holder (10) is fixed with its one end, and on its other end the collet (6) is arranged, the collet (6) in the non-active position is insertable into the can (2), and segments (12) of the collet (6) are spreading in the direction to the device (46).