Clinch Tool Movable Die Elements for Joint Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clinch-type joint tools face challenges in achieving sufficient strength against shear and peeling forces, with existing tools being inefficient in producing strong joints.

Innovation Solution

A robust and wear-resistant tool with a specialized punch-die combination, featuring precisely guided and locked movable die elements and a new type of spring element that minimizes unwanted deformation of sheet-formed members, increasing the strength of the joint by directing additional extruded material into a mushroom-formed button.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional spring elements (elastomer rings or toroid metal springs) are used to surround movable die elements, then the tool can apply lateral forces to the die elements, but the tool structure becomes complex and wear-resistant guidance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the spring element from surrounding the movable die elements and relocates it to act directly on the anvil. This removes the complex surrounding structure while maintaining the necessary lateral forces through a simpler, more direct mechanical action on the anvil itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a groove in the anvil as an intermediary structure that guides and constrains the movable die elements. This groove provides wear-resistant guidance and structural support, replacing the need for complex surrounding spring mechanisms while ensuring precise movement control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If movable die elements are allowed to move laterally freely to create mushroom buttons, then joints can be formed, but vertical movement and unwanted deformation occur reducing joint strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedie element movementVSAvoidmaterial deformation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful vertical movement and unwanted deformation into beneficial lateral movement by using the groove structure. The groove allows controlled lateral displacement necessary for mushroom button formation while converting any vertical tendency into beneficial friction that increases material distribution and joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different movement constraints to different directions: the groove allows free lateral movement (where movement is needed for joint formation) while providing strong guidance and constraint in the vertical direction (where precision is needed). This directional differentiation of movement properties solves the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If additional extruded material is directed into the mushroom button to increase joint strength, then shear and peeling resistance improves, but unwanted deformation of sheet-formed members increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidunwanted deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to prevent vertical movement through complex constraints, the patent inverts the approach by using the vertical force tendency to increase friction between the die elements and sheet members. This friction actively directs material flow into the mushroom button, converting what would be unwanted deformation into beneficial material distribution that strengthens the joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The tool achieves enhanced joint strength by efficiently guiding and locking die elements, reducing vertical movement, and using a compact, efficient spring element that increases friction and material distribution, resulting in improved resistance to shear and peeling forces.

Implementation Method 1

The spring element is generally constituted by a ring made of an elastomer or a toroid formed metal spring surrounding the movable die elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The spring element is generally constituted by a ring made of an elastomer or a toroid formed metal spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9050645B2Tool for making joints of clinch type

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 ATTEXOR CLINCH SYST

AI summary

Tool for joining two or several sheet formed members, comprising two separate tool parts, a first tool-part with a punch and a second tool-part provided with a die which co-operate for producing said joint, the punch is arranged to be driven in a linear movement is in the direction of the co-axial die provided with a die cavity at the bottom of which an anvil is arranged, the die is further provided with movable die elements (108, 208, 208′, 208″) arranged sliding laterally on a support surface (105) against the forces from a spring element (303, 303′), said die comprises at least two movable die elements (108, 208, 208′, 208″), the die is provided with at least one support element (103, 203, 203′, 203″) provided with an essentially horizontal support surface (110, 210) for said sheet formed members and said support elements (103, 203, 203′, 203″) are not forming part of the sidewall (109) of the die opening in its initial closed position.